The Growing Health Crisis in Trinidad and Tobago: A call for Awareness and Action

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are on a steep and steady rise, mirroring the alarming trends seen in countries that have adopted the Standard American Diet (SAD). The nation’s culinary traditions, though rich and flavorful, combined with the increasing consumption of highly processed foods, sugary treats, and fried meals, have created a perfect storm for declining public health.

Without meaningful intervention from parents, educators, government, and NGOs, Trinidad and Tobago will continue down a perilous path—one where private healthcare systems profit at the expense of the nation’s citizens, many of whom cannot afford adequate treatment.

The SAD Diet and Trinidad’s Food Culture.

The SAD diet, which emphasizes heavily processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, has crept into Trinidad’s eating habits, blending with local traditions to devastating effect:

• Processed Wheat Products: Staple foods such as roti, doubles bara, white bread, and pastries dominate the Trinidadian diet. These are made primarily from refined wheat flour, which has a high glycemic index that spikes blood sugar and contributes to insulin resistance over time.

• Vegetable Oils: Fried foods are immensely popular. From fried chicken to pholourie and aloo pies, much of the nation’s cooking relies on inexpensive vegetable oils, which are linked to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.

• Reward Culture: Children are often rewarded with fast foods such as fried chicken, pizza, or ice cream for good behavior, perpetuating an unhealthy relationship with food from a young age.

• Alcohol Consumption: Trinidad’s reputation as a party island comes at a cost. Excessive alcohol consumption places a strain on the liver and contributes to a host of health complications, including fatty liver disease and an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

The public healthcare system in Trinidad and Tobago is overburdened, understaffed, and underfunded. Chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension place tremendous pressure on medical resources, and many citizens find themselves turning to private healthcare providers, which can be prohibitively expensive for the average person.

What’s worse is the lack of comprehensive, up-to-date data on the health of the population. While anecdotal evidence and fragmented studies point to the rise in non-communicable diseases, the absence of accessible national statistics stifles targeted interventions and makes it difficult to track progress.

Schools, which should be a haven for teaching health and nutrition, often reinforce unhealthy habits:

• Many children’s school lunches consist of cheap, sugary, highly processed snacks like the popular “Kiss Cake.” ( Remember those milk and cookie days?)

• Physical activity in schools is often minimal, and there is little emphasis on teaching students about nutrition and the long-term effects of their food choices. This trend in some schools are changing for the better with the introduction of school gardens, outings to farms and nature hikes.  

The onus is on every sector of society to address this growing crisis:

Government Action.

The government must adopt a proactive approach to address the health crisis by:

• Implementing policies that tax sugary beverages and highly processed foods.

• Subsidizing fresh, local produce to make healthy food options more accessible.

• Introducing mandatory nutritional guidelines for school meals to ensure children receive balanced, wholesome foods.

Non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups like TWC (Tamana Wellness Center) are stepping up to raise awareness about these critical issues. NGOs must also work toward:

• Public education campaigns to highlight the dangers of processed foods and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Promoting local and traditional recipes that utilize fresh, healthy ingredients and alternative cooking methods.

• Partnering with schools to deliver workshops on nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Parents and Teachers as Role Models

Parents and educators are on the front lines and must take a stand:

• Parents must recognize the importance of leading by example by adopting healthier eating and lifestyle habits themselves.

• Teachers can incorporate basic health and nutrition education into their lessons, fostering a culture of awareness in classrooms.

A shift toward healthier living does not mean abandoning culture or flavor. There are ways to preserve culinary traditions while making them healthier:

• Replacing wheat flour with coconut, cassava, or green banana flour.

• Baking or steaming instead of frying.

• Increasing the intake of locally grown fruits and vegetables, such as dasheen bush, callaloo, and pawpaw.

• Reducing the consumption of sugary beverages in favor of natural alternatives like coconut water or homemade smoothies.

If action is not taken, Trinidad and Tobago face an alarming rise in preventable diseases and the subsequent strain on families, the economy, and the healthcare system. But hope lies in awareness and education. By encouraging healthier choices and adopting sustainable solutions, the nation can curb the rise of chronic illnesses and build a healthier, stronger society.

Let this be a wake-up call for individuals, families, and policymakers: the time for change is now. Our children and their futures depend on it.