by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—Charlestown, Nevis, has earned a remarkable distinction as the FIRST PAHO/WHO Age-friendly City in the Eastern Caribbean, marking a historic moment for the island and the region.
This significant recognition highlights Nevis’s commitment to fostering a community where all generations can prosper.
Hon. Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Development in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), shared her pride in this achievement through a recently released video message.
Her words captured the spirit behind the milestone and the broader vision it represents.
“Welcome to Nevis, a place where every generation thrives, and now we are making history as the first PAHO-WHO age-friendly city in the eastern Caribbean. Here, ageing is not just about getting older; it’s about growing stronger, more engaged, and knowing that every stage of life is a reason to celebrate and be celebrated. This is what an age-friendly city looks like. This isn’t just a title. It’s a movement.”
The accolade aligns Nevis with a global network promoted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) that encourages cities to optimise opportunities for active ageing by enhancing health, participation, and security for older residents.
Being recognised as an age-friendly city means that Charlestown is taking deliberate steps to adapt its services, infrastructure, and community programs to be more inclusive and supportive of its ageing population.
The designation arrives at a crucial time, as the Caribbean region faces demographic shifts, including an increasing number of older adults.
Nevis’s proactive approach reflects local leadership’s understanding of the value and contributions of senior citizens, emphasising respect, inclusion, and dignity.
Under the stewardship of Minister Nisbett and the Nevis Island Administration, multiple initiatives have been implemented to support seniors and promote intergenerational engagement.
Programs like the Senior Citizens Recreational Program offer a range of activities to keep the elderly active and socially connected, a testament to the island’s dedication to the well-being of its older residents.
The recognition of Charlestown as the first PAHO/WHO Age-friendly City in the Eastern Caribbean stands as a beacon of progressive social policy for the rest of the region.
It reaffirms Nevis’s reputation as a community that honours its history and heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity.
As the island celebrates this milestone, residents and officials alike are encouraged to view it not merely as an accolade but as a call to action—a movement to continuously foster environments where citizens of all ages can thrive in health, happiness, and harmony.
