United Nations in the Caribbean

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the Earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. The United Nations in the Caribbean is supporting delivery on all 17 goals:

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24 October 2025

Explore Interactive Map of the UN in Latin America and the Caribbean

Launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, this interactive map allows users to explore the organisation's presence and impact across Latin America & the Caribbean.

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20 February 2024

Decide to join the United Nations as a UN Volunteer

You can decide to change the lives of others while changing your own as a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). Volunteering for the UN is a full-time commitment to peace and sustainable development with a UN agency, fund or programme, in your country or abroad. RIGHTS AND BENEFITSThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme encourages broad and inclusive participation, and as such ensures a variety of benefits to secure a basic standard of living while serving as a UN Volunteer. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance Medical insurance (including dependents) Annual leave (2.5 days per month served) Learning opportunities Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities Travel allowance for international UN Volunteers See more on the UNV Conditions of Service : https://bit.ly/UNV-COS PROFESSIONAL PROFILESBuild on your professional experience and knowledge - whether in development, emergency response, education, health, environment, communications, social work and much more. ASSIGNMENT TITLESSome of the most popular volunteer assignment titles are: Field Officer (in a wide variety of areas) Community Development Officer Communications Officer Protection/Human Rights Officer Monitoring & Evaluation Officer MAIN PARTNERSAs a UN Volunteer you can serve with the following UN entities, among others: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) World Food Programme (WFP) In 2022, over 2,500 UN Volunteers served with over 30 UN partners in Latin America and the Caribbean! LEAVING NO ONE BEHINDThe UNV programme is committed to representing the diversity of the world's societies. If you are a person with disabilities, a member of the LGTBQ+, afro-descendant or indigenous communities, or any other minority, you are encouraged to apply. CATEGORIESAssignments are offered into four volunteer categories, which determine eligibility: Expert: candidates must be at least 35 years old and have more than 15 years of professional experience. Specialist: candidates must be at least 27 years of age and have at least 3 years of professional experience. Youth and University: candidates must be between 18 and 26 years of age, and no previous professional experience is required. Community: No previous professional experience or academic requirements needed but must live in the community they serve. Before applying, we recommend carefully reading the specific requirements of your selected assignment. DECIDE TO APPLYRegister in UNV’s Unified Volunteer Platform: app.unv.org, complete your professional profile and apply to vacancies NOW. When filtering vacancies, verify the volunteer category (Expert, Youth, etc.) you fit in and define whether to volunteer in your country or abroad. UN Volunteer opportunities reflect the evolving needs of UN agencies, funds and programmes. We encourage you to visit the UNV platform regularly, so as not to miss any opportunity. VOLUNTEER ONLINEWith the Online Volunteering service, you can undertake volunteer tasks for up to 20 hours a week and for a maximum of 12 weeks with different United Nations entities, governments, public institutions and civil society organisations. As the Online Volunteering service is a free time commitment, selected individuals are not under contract with the UN Volunteers programme or the host entity. As such, Online Volunteers are not eligible for the entitlements and benefits stipulated in the Conditions of Service. Their contribution is recognised with a certificate. Know more here: https://www.unv.org/become-online-volunteer

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A UN Volunteer works at a compute rin an office setting

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17 November 2025

At midway point: Caribbean States to review and renew efforts to curb gun violence through regional roadmap

Five years after pledging to stem the illegal flow of firearms within and throughout the region, Caribbean States and regional and international partners met in Trinidad and Tobago to assess progress achieved and agree on priorities for the next five years.High-level representatives from the 15 CARICOM States and the Dominican Republic convened in Trinidad and Tobago from 11 to 12 November 2025 for the Fifth Annual Meeting of States of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, a decade-long strategy to curb the illicit proliferation of firearms and ammunition by 2030. The meeting was attended by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Joanna Kazana; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, Executive
Director of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime & Security (IMPACS); The Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security and high-level government representatives of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as members of the international community and the diplomatic corps accredited to Trinidad and Tobago. The 2025 Annual Meeting of States, organized by Roadmap co-custodians, CARICOM IMPACS, and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and with funding from Canada, marked a significant milestone: the midpoint of the Roadmap’s implementation period. The meeting thus served as an inflection point for assessing progress, discussing persistent challenges, and reviewing recommendations emerging from the Mid-Term Review, which were presented at the meeting.On 11 November, national focal points and monitoring and evaluation experts met to review technical progress and share experiences in implementing and reporting on the Roadmap. On 12 November, a high-level ministerial segment took place, dedicated to reviewing the findings and recommendations of the Mid- Term Review of the Roadmap, reaffirming political commitment, and underscoring the urgency of accelerating implementation efforts. Mid-Term Review: A Region at a CrossroadsIllicit firearms and ammunition continue to drive high levels of homicides and crime across many Caribbean countries, posing significant threats to public safety and human security. The resulting violence also hinders wider socioeconomic development, negatively affects public health systems, discourages investment, and weakens business growth. Midway through the Roadmap’s implementation, a Mid-Term Review highlighted the significant progress. Thirteen States have developed National Action Plans (NAPs) to combat illicit firearms trafficking, aligning the Roadmap’s strategic priorities with their national contexts, reflecting strong national-level commitment. The Mid-Term Review, which was presented at the Meeting of States, highlighted improvements in firearm legislation, enhanced law enforcement capacity, and stronger regional intelligence coordination. However, the Review also pointed to persistent and uneven challenges. While some countries have made notable strides, others continue to experience rising levels of armed violence. Limited funding, political transitions, and inconsistent data reporting have hindered implementation efforts. Moreover, the Roadmap must strengthen its integration with broader national and regional security and violence prevention strategies. It should also promote more inclusive participation, particularly of women, youth and community leaders, with a view to addressing armed violence in a holistic and sustainable manner, beyond the narrow lens of security. In an effort to consolidate and widely showcase the progress of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, UNLIREC has developed a virtual gallery featuring interactive rooms that highlight the joint work undertaken by States and implementing partners, visualizing five years of progress and implementation.Across the Caribbean, gun violence remains one of the region’s most persistent public-safety challenges. Yet, despite these disparities, the overall trajectory is encouraging. Most countries are moving in the right direction, having demonstrated commitment and progress in implementing the Roadmap over the past five years. However, levels of gun violence remain unacceptably high, underscoring the urgency of sustained and coordinated action. The Roadmap continues to be a relevant strategy to guide national and regional efforts, but its implementation must be accelerated to realize the shared visions of a safer Caribbean by 2030. BackgroundThe Caribbean Firearms Roadmap is a regional umbrella framework adopted by CARICOM States and the Dominican Republic in 2020, in which States committed themselves to implement concrete actions to combat illicit firearms trafficking and make the Caribbean a safer region. Sixteen countries in the region have formally adopted the Roadmap, with thirteen having developed National Action Plans, which tailor the Roadmap’s framework to their unique national contexts.
The Roadmap signifies a commitment by Caribbean States to implement sustainable solutions to prevent and combat armed violence and crimes that are aligned with international norms and the broader goal of promoting sustainable peace, security, and development across the Caribbean. About UNLIREC
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) is one of three regional centres under the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Since its establishment in 1986, UNLIREC has worked to promote peace, security and disarmament throughout the region.
For more information, please visit www.unlirec.org or contact: melissa.yi@unlirec.org.

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17 November 2025

Half of Jamaica’s population reeling from Hurricane Melissa

More than 130 roads were blocked, power and communication networks disrupted, while health services remain under heavy strain, according to the UN aid coordination office (OCHA).“Up to 360,000 people may require food assistance”, underscored the World Food Programme (WFP). Access to some western parishes continue to be difficult due to debris and fuel shortages, OCHA said.WFP has been “working around the clock”, developing joint plans and strategies with the Government, said Brian Bogart, Country Director for WFP Multi-Country Caribbean Office, briefing journalists in New York via video link.Jamaican resilience“The Jamaican people are resilient”, he said, “but they need urgent support to maintain that resilience.Mr. Bogart reiterated that urgent needs remain food, water, shelter, and medicine for communities which have been hardest hit.In the past two days, both a French and a Dutch navy vessel loaded with relief items have made landfall in Kingston’s harbour.In the days ahead, WFP is planning to assist up to 200,000 people across the country with food assistance and cash transfers, which is critical as the country moves from an immediate humanitarian response to a longer-term recovery strategy.Cuba and HaitiFood distribution in Cuba has already reached 180,000 in protection centres across the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantanamo, reported WFP Country Director there, Etienne Labande.Highlighting the UN food agencies’ deep understanding of the local context and their ability to coordinate with authorities and communities, M. Labande emphasised that having WFP on the ground was “critical” for ensuring a fast and effective response.Meanwhile, in Haiti, at least 30 people died during the extreme weather generated by Melissa, according to the authorities. “An estimated 1.25 million people have been affected by the hurricane”, said the Cuba country director.To make matters worse, relief efforts and the delivery of ongoing aid are further complicated by the continuing humanitarian crisis and security vacuum created by armed groups who control the vast majority of the capital, Port au Prince.“Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint”, underscored M Labande.Despite severe funding shortages, access challenges and logistical constraints, the UN and partners are continuing to assess damage and ramping up efforts to reach people in need.$74 million is urgently needed to deliver life-saving assistance to up to 1.1 million people across the Caribbean in the wake of Melissa, and coordinate emergency logistics and telecommunications....................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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14 November 2025

IOM and Airbnb.org mobilise shelter for Jamaicans displaced by Hurricane Melissa

Geneva/Kingston, 14 November 2025  – The International Organization for Migration (IOM UN Migration) and Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb that connects people to free emergency housing in times of crisis, are partnering to provide free emergency stays for displaced families and frontline responders affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, a storm that has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on 29 October as a Category 5 storm – the first to hit the Caribbean nation. The record-breaking storm battered Jamaica, then tore through Cuba and Haiti with torrential rainfall, life-threatening storm surges, and landslides that triggered widespread flooding and displacement. In Jamaica, over 400,000 people are living in inadequate housing, including an estimated 2,487 who remain sheltered in collective emergency centres. “When homes are destroyed, it’s not just walls that crumble – it’s people’s sense of safety and belonging,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. “Partnerships like this ensure families can find comfort and dignity, even amid chaos. We are grateful to Airbnb.org and to every host who has opened their doors to those in need.” As communities begin to recover, finding safe places to stay has become an urgent priority. Through this partnership, IOM and Airbnb.org will help provide free, temporary housing over the coming weeks and months for families displaced by the hurricane, ensuring they have a safe place to rest as recovery and rebuilding continue. Airbnb.org has committed to providing free, temporary housing for displaced essential government workers delivering services to affected communities, and for vulnerable displaced individuals, including older persons, women, and children, for up to 2,000 nights. These stays are free for beneficiaries and funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors. IOM is working directly with government officials and Airbnb.org to identify people in need and connect them to a free place to stay. IOM is on the ground, working closely with the Government of Jamaica and regional partners to respond to the growing humanitarian needs of communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Organization is dispatching 4,470 emergency relief items from its warehouse in Barbados to support affected families. These include tarpaulins, ropes, shelter repair kits, generators, air mattresses, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and bedding sets. To ensure assistance reaches those most in need, the supplies are being distributed in partnership with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica, prioritizing people in the hardest-hit parishes so they can receive urgent shelter and household support as recovery efforts gain pace. At the same time, IOM is leveraging its data tools to strengthen the response. Through its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), IOM has launched a dedicated Latin America and Caribbean Pre-Evacuation Platform to map and update evacuation centres across Jamaica and neighbouring islands. The Organization is also sharing data and maps showing the hurricane’s path and shelter locations with partners to inform their response. The collaboration between IOM and Airbnb.org builds on several years of partnership supporting displaced communities worldwide. Since 2019, the two organizations have worked together to connect tens of thousands of displaced people to temporary housing, including those affected by crises in Ukraine, Venezuela, and Türkiye. For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre. ...................................................................This news was first published by IOM UN Migration.

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12 November 2025

Hurricane Melissa: Relief efforts intensify as damage across Caribbean grows

In Jamaica, access to isolated communities is improving but remains precarious.Only two communities are still unreachable – down from 27 last week – though additional rainfall could limit access once again.Shelter remains a critical concern. Some 40,000 tarpaulins earmarked for delivery have not been transported due to blocked and damaged roads. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has so far assisted 9,000 people in hard-hit Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, with plans to extend cash assistance to up to 90,000 households as conditions allow.In Cuba, more than 54,000 people remain displaced, including 7,500 staying in official shelters, according to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA. The scale of damage is now significantly higher than initial estimates, with more than 600 health facilities and 90,000 homes affected.UN agencies are supporting the national response, having assisted about 140,000 people in shelters and community kitchens, and distributing agricultural tools and livestock feed to restore livelihoods.They are also supplying equipment to bolster disease control and prevention efforts and delivering medical supplies to reinforce reproductive health services, including maternal care.In Haiti, where Hurricane Melissa claimed more than 40 lives, humanitarian partners are expanding operations amid extensive damage across multiple departments.The UN and partners have also distributed hygiene kits and restored electricity for vaccine refrigeration and providing psychosocial support in schools.They are also delivering 15-day food rations to hard-hit areas in the south. In Petit Goâve, food assistance is being provided to more than 40,000 people, with further distributions planned this week.To overcome access challenges, the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has expanded operations with five new access points to reach isolated communities.................................................................This story was first published by UN News and has been adapted for this website.

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06 November 2025

Over 4.8 million tonnes of debris left by Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica, according to UNDP analysis

6 November 2025, Kingston/New York – Hurricane Melissa has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction across western Jamaica. According to satellite-based analysis from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the storm has left over 4.8 million tonnes of debris blocking roads, obstructing access to schools, hospitals and clinics, farms, and markets, slowing the delivery of relief supplies, and delaying the restoration of key services.The storm hit Jamaica on 28 October as a Category 5 hurricane. Tens of thousands of homes have been damaged, particularly in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, where whole towns were decimated and up to 90 percent of buildings in some areas were impacted. UNDP’s AI-based model estimates that up to 32,500 people may have been internally displaced. “Entire communities are surrounded by debris,” said Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative in Jamaica. “Debris removal is critical to kick-start early recovery, to restoring safe access to homes and infrastructure, and reviving essential services. We need to act fast because delay means blocked roads, vital services at a standstill, lost income, and increased suffering to those hit hardest by the storm.” UNDP estimates the debris would fill approximately 480,000 standard truckloads. It includes approximately 2.1 million tonnes of building debris, 1.3 million tonnes of vegetation debris, and 1.4 million tonnes of personal property waste. These are minimum estimates based on the latest damage data from UNOSAT and Copernicus and are expected to increase as additional analyses and field assessments are completed. The devastation underscores how the intensifying impacts of climate change are fuelling more frequent and severe disasters—an urgent reminder, as the world gathers for COP30 this week, of the need to scale up investment in disaster risk reduction and preparedness efforts globally. These events underline the growing climate pressures on Small Island Developing States, which are facing more frequent and severe hurricanes, floods and droughts. They also highlight the critical and urgent need for donor financing to support early recovery interventions that can help communities rebuild, restore livelihoods, and strengthen resilience to future shocks.With a 50-year history on the island, UNDP is offering support in Jamaica, including damage assessments and planning for recovery to restore jobs and livelihoods, clear debris, repair infrastructure, and ensure access to essential services.The hurricane’s effects are being felt across the Caribbean. In Cuba, nearly 3 million people are facing disrupted services, damaged homes and destruction to farms. Haiti, the Bahamas, and other islands are also reporting flooding and destruction. UNDP is working with governments across the region on recovery efforts. Media contactsFor more information or to request an interview, contact:In Kingston: gillian.scott@undp.orgIn Geneva: sarah.bel@undp.orgIn New York: dylan.lowthian@undp.org and aimee.brown@undp.org ....................................................................This news was first published by UNDP.

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The historic St. John’s Anglican Parish Church, a two-century-old heritage site in Black River, was left in ruins.

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Press Release

28 October 2025

UN and CBU Launch SDG Champion Media Award

This new category, introduced through a partnership between the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Office and the CBU, aims to celebrate journalistic excellence that drives sustainable development and inspires meaningful action. Eligible countries include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Speaking during a recent media webinar, CBU President Anthony Greene emphasized the media’s pivotal role in advancing the SDGs, both professionally and personally. “We help those who can influence the achievement of the SDGs to understand why they should lend their resources and efforts to this cause,” Greene noted. “But as media, we are not just instruments to be used by others. We also need to appreciate that the SDGs are for us as well as residents of developing countries and territories, and as the media and communications sector.” Kenroy Roach, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, expressed hope that the award would deepen collaboration between the UN and regional media: “We know we work well together on many fronts, but hopefully this can be another pillar in our very strong collaboration.” Roach also reminded participants that the SDGs, adopted by 192 Member States in 2015, represent a global commitment:“It is important that we recognize that the SDGs are not only a UN agenda, but also the countries’ agenda. It is the leaders of the world who came together and recognized the need for urgent action for people and planet.”
The recent webinar also provided valuable technical insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their significance for the region, and effective approaches to SDG storytelling.Jabari Fraser, Public Information Officer at ECLAC Caribbean, in his session “Why the SDGs Matter,” encouraged journalists to guide their editors in distinguishing between what is important and what is urgent. He emphasized the value of considering the broader context and conducting thorough research to produce stories with lasting impact.Meanwhile, Martina Donlon, Chief of Climate and Sustainable Development at the UN Department of Global Communications, presented on “What’s a Great Story about the SDGs?” She highlighted the importance of focusing on science and solutions, and inspiring action by addressing the three W’s: What, Why Care, and What Now?Sonia Gill, CBU Secretary General, offered journalists an overview of the new SDG Champion Award categories, criteria, and rules. She noted that eligible entries should connect the Global Goals to real people’s lives, communicate complex issues—such as climate change or inequality—in clear, accessible language, and foster an environment where the SDGs are actively championed. She further emphasized that content should be data-driven, solution-oriented, and, where possible, inspire action. Entries for the 37th Annual CBU Media Awards will open in late November 2025 and close at midnight (ECT) on February 28, 2026. Nominees will be announced in June 2026, with the awards presentation scheduled for August 2026. For further information, journalists are invited to view the recent Media Webinar via this link, and for competition rules and entry details they can visit the CBU website at http://www.caribroadcastunion.org / or email cbumediaawards@caribroadcastunion.org when the Call for Entries is issued next month. To Learn MoreFor further information please contact:CBU via email : info@caribroadcastunion.orgUNRCO via email : carol-ann.gaskin@un.org

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Press Release

27 October 2025

United Nations stands in solidarity with Jamaica amidst the impacts of Hurricane Melissa

The hurricane has brought with it devastating winds, life-threatening storm surges, and torrential rainfall, posing a significant threat to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure across the island.In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the United Nations system in Jamaica, under the leadership of Resident Coordinator Mr. Dennis Zulu, is working in close coordination with the Government of Jamaica and national emergency response agencies to bolster preparedness and response efforts.The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is actively supporting regional coordination efforts and has deployed staff to Jamaica to strengthen emergency preparedness and facilitate effective response operations.Key UN agencies are mobilizing critical support as follows:World Food Programme (WFP) is providing essential logistics support, including the deployment of generators to ensure continuity of critical services.United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pre-positioned water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies, along with materials to support child protection and psychosocial care.Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is reinforcing national health emergency operations and ensuring readiness of medical facilities.International Organization for Migration (IOM) is preparing shelter support for displaced populations and vulnerable communities.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are mobilizing resources for early recovery, food security, and protection of women, girls, and other at-risk groups.The UN remains committed to supporting the Government of Jamaica in addressing immediate humanitarian needs, including emergency shelter, access to clean water, hygiene supplies, and logistical support to reach affected and isolated communities.The United Nations reiterates its unwavering commitment to the people of Jamaica during this challenging time and will continue to work hand-in-hand with national authorities and partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response.For media inquiries, please contact:
Maxsalia Salmon
Partnership and Development Finance Officer
Email address: maxsalia.salmon@un.orgCUG: 876-509-007

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Press Release

13 October 2025

IOM Chief highlights record disaster displacement and calls for resilience funding

Geneva, 13 October 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging greater investment in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts, warning that intensifying disasters and climate impacts are driving record levels of displacement and demand a decisive shift in global financing priorities. This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) takes place under the theme Fund Resilience, Not Disasters, a call to redirect resources from costly response to proactive prevention and preparedness. “We must reaffirm a simple but urgent message: fund resilience,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Every dollar invested in resilience saves many more in avoided losses and protects the dignity of those most at risk. The choice is ours. We can continue to fund disaster response or we can invest in resilience. This is the message IOM will take forward as we work with partners to ensure climate and disaster financing reflects the needs of people on the move.”In 2024 alone, nearly 46 million people were displaced by disasters, the highest number ever recorded. Despite this, disaster risk reduction efforts remain severely underfunded. Most governments allocate less than 1 per cent of their budgets to prevention, while international assistance continues to decline.
IOM is urging governments, donors, and the private sector to scale up investments that reduce the risk and impact of disaster on displacement and strengthen resilience for vulnerable communities. This means integrating human mobility into risk-informed development and climate finance, ensuring that communities can adapt, relocate safely, or rebuild with dignity after disaster strikes.Looking ahead to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), IOM will advocate for disaster and climate risk reduction to be at the heart of climate finance negotiations, in line with the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and the outcomes of the Financing for Development Conference. Through innovative tools such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement and the Climate Catalytic Fund, IOM aims to demonstrate how predictive analytics and community-driven finance can target hotspots, prevent displacement, and protect development gains.
For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.

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Press Release

11 September 2025

United Nations Supports Staging of 2025 WIFA Regional Women’s Football Tournament

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, we reaffirm the UN’s founding principles of peace, dignity, and equality, anchored in a vision of inclusive development and empowerment. This is exemplified in women's active participation in sports, where every woman and girl has the right to lead, compete, and thrive.“The Caribbean is a collection of communities, of which sport is a vital component. This is critical as sport can drive social change through promoting fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for everyone,” said Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.One year after Hurricane Beryl, Caribbean islands have shown extraordinary strength. Sports, and football in particular, have remained a cornerstone of the Caribbean community, bringing people together, lifting spirits, and helping communities heal. The United Nations is pleased to partner with the WIFA Women’s Tournament, which will also serve as a powerful platform for women and girls to lead, inspire, and play ball!“This event is more than a competition; it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and recovery," said Isiuwa Iyahen, Head of Office a.i. UN Women Multi-Country Office - Caribbean. “As we approach Beijing+30, your dedication on this field reflects how far we have come and reminds us of the journey ahead to secure equal opportunities for women and girls in all arenas, including sports. To each athlete here, your strength and skill are not only breaking barriers in football but also inspiring a new generation of women leaders, proving that true progress happens when women are visible, valued, and victorious—on and off the pitch."As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, we are encouraged in the fact that this tournament exemplifies its key priorities. These include, creating a space where women lead on and off the field, amplifying women’s voices in decision-making, and creating access to equal opportunities for growth, education, and visibility. The UN team remains committed to supporting member states to further accelerate efforts towards achieving gender equality.UNESCO’s International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, also recognizes a fundamental right to physical education, physical activity and sport, including at all supervision and decision-making levels. It further specifies that “equal opportunity to participate … is the right of every girl and every woman that must be actively enforced.” Global evidence shows that sport has the capacity to propel gender equality, mobilize the global community, and bridge national barriers and cultural differences. It is also a powerful advocacy tool to convey important messages to mass audiences. To every woman, girl, and supporter involved in this important tournament, your participation goes beyond the scoreboard. It is a bold statement that equality, resilience, and unity will define our future. Every match played is not only for a trophy, but for a promise of a bright future for every girl in the Caribbean.As our region rebuilds, investing in women and girls in sports is an investment in stronger, fairer, and more resilient communities. Media Contacts:La Fleur Cleopatra Quammie (Ms)UN Country Coordination Officer - St. Vincent and the Grenadines / Gender Equality Focal PointUnited Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office Kingstown, St. Vincent and the GrenadinesMobile: +1 784 534 8099 / +1 784 530 8602Email: lafleur.quammie@un.org Sharon Carter-Burke
Communications Analyst
UN Women Multi Country Office - Caribbean
UN House, Marine Gardens
Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados
Tel: +1 246 467 6000 Ext 6124Email: sharon.carter-burke@unwomen.org

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Press Release

08 September 2025

PAHO launches award to recognize Caribbean leadership in the fight against superbugs

Nominations open until 30 September 2025Bridgetown, Barbados, 5 September 2025 (PAHO/WHO) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Suzan McLennon-Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Leadership Award, a new regional honor recognizing exceptional leadership in the fight against antimicrobial resistance—a growing global health threat often referred to as the “silent pandemic.”The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Suzan McLennon-Miguel, a Jamaican veterinarian whose three-decades career spanned veterinary public health, disaster response, food safety, and AMR advocacy. Affectionately known as “Doc Sue,” she was a passionate champion of the One Health approach, which unites human, animal, and environmental health to tackle complex health challenges like AMR.PAHO welcomes the nominations of individuals or organizations from across the Caribbean who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to addressing AMR. Eligible nominees may include those who have led impactful community-based AMR initiatives; contributed to education, policy, or public health solutions; or advanced research or innovation using a One Health lens. Self-nominations are encouraged.Nominations are open until 30 September 2025, and the winner will be announced on 18 November 2025, during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.Celebrating a legacy of Caribbean leadershipDr. McLennon-Miguel passed away in July 2023 after a battle with cancer, but her influence continues to shape public health in the Caribbean. She led animal health responses during the 2021 volcanic eruption in St. Vincent and served as a food safety specialist at the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) in Suriname.Her impact extended beyond science and policy. In Jamaica, she created “Doc Sue’s Happy Rooms”—colorful spaces in hospitals where sick children could play, learn, and dream. “It’s more than a playroom,” she said. “It’s a place where children can start dreaming of what they want to be in the future.”The awardee will be invited to PAHO’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. for meetings with regional experts, participation in strategic AMR discussions, and the opportunity to showcase their work. They will also receive a commemorative plaque.“AMR threatens lives across the Caribbean, from routine infections to critical treatments like cancer care,” said Pilar Ramon-Pardo, Chief, Antimicrobial Resistance Special Program at PAHO. “This award celebrates Dr. McLennon-Miguel’s legacy by recognizing leaders who are building a healthier future.”A panel of experts from PAHO and international partners will select the winner based on impact, innovation, collaboration, and sustainable contributions to AMR efforts.Why AMR mattersAntimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites stop responding to the medicines used to treat them. This makes common infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to cure. In the Caribbean, AMR threatens everything from routine infections to surgeries and cancer care, placing decades of public health progress at risk.PAHO is stepping up its efforts to combat AMR in the Caribbean by strengthening surveillance, expanding laboratory capacity, promoting responsible use of antibiotics, and fostering One Health partnerships. These efforts are supported by the UK Government’s Fleming Fund and new South-South cooperation initiatives.By honoring leaders like Dr. McLennon-Miguel, this award aims to inspire bold action to curb superbugs and safeguard the region’s health.Download the nomination form (PDF) and read the full call for nominations (PDF).For questions or to submit a nomination, please contact Franka Des Vignes at desvigfra@paho.org or Nathalie El Omeiri at elomeirin@paho.org, using the subject line: Suzan McLennon-Miguel Award nomination.

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