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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02 November 2025

Jamaica: International support ‘crucial’ to hurricane recovery says Guterres

António Guterres spoke by phone to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness earlier in the day emphasising afterwards in a statement that “international support is crucial” as the country deals with the effects of the category 5 storm which brought rain, storm surges and catastrophic flooding.“He calls for the mobilisation of massive resources to deal with the loss and damage from the hurricane,” said the Deputy UN Spokesperson.UN provides $4m aid injectionThe UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) so agencies and their partners can rapidly scale up humanitarian operations in Jamaica.Five days after the most powerful storm in the island's history made landfall in the west, many residents are still waiting for aid to arrive, according to local news reports, with many roads still inaccessible and communities without power and running water. The Government reported on Saturday that the death toll has risen to at least 28. The top UN official on the island, Dennis Zulu, told UN News on Friday that around 13 UN agencies were working as quickly as possible alongside authorities to clear roads and make essential repairs.“My team here remains committed…to ensure that Jamaica gets back on its feet,” he said.Support for vulnerable childrenUN children’s agency, UNICEF, said on Saturday more than 700,000 children across the Caribbean had been impacted by the hurricane, which also made landfall in Cuba and caused chaos across western Haiti.UNICEF is supporting the Jamaican Government to reach more than 284,000 children to address urgent nutrition needs, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene including mental health support.In Haiti, UNICEF is deploying hygiene and emergency health kits, cash to households at risk and engaging communities.UN aid coordination office, OCHA, accompanied UNICEF at José Martí airport in Cuba on Saturday to unload supplies for over 90,000 people affected by Melissa – alongside national authorities – working as a single team, driving emergency response.International solidarity ‘a lifeline’UN relief chief Tom Fletcher, said on Friday: “In times like this, international solidarity isn’t just a principle – it’s a lifeline.”An OCHA team has been deployed to Jamaica to strengthen coordination and information management.UN agencies and NGOs are helping restore access, deliver emergency health and water services, and assist communities whose homes, schools and hospitals have been hit hard.Well-prepared in CubaA $4 million allocation from the OCHA-managed CERF for Cuba, allowed UN agencies to position life-saving support before the storm hit.The World Food Programme (WFP) provided food for 180,000 people;UNICEF deployed mobile water-treatment units and hygiene kits for thousands;the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) airlifted medical supplies and generators;the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Development Programme (UNDP) moved seeds and tarpaulins to protect livelihoods and homes;and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, distributed health and dignity kits.
The Cuban Red Cross assisted with preventive evacuations, early-warning messages and psychosocial support, in coordination with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC).Early-warnings across HaitiIn Haiti, a country reeling from a massive humanitarian crisis and deadly armed violence, humanitarian teams are working alongside national authorities to respond to the urgent needs. Several days before the hurricane struck a $4 million CERF allocation allowed aid to be pre-positioned.In addition, over 3.5 million alerts were sent out to vulnerable populations, saving lives. UN agencies and partners are now supporting temporary shelters and providing food, shelter, non-food items and cash assistance.“Local leadership, global solidarity, and early action are saving lives across the region,” Mr. Fletcher said. “This is the humanitarian reset at work - acting together with greater impact.”...................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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Rescue workers in Jamaica help residents following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa.

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31 October 2025

Caribbean nations receive life-saving support following devastation of Hurricane Melissa

Torrential rain, storm surges, and landslides caused by the hurricane have left a trail of destruction across the region, with homes flattened, roads and bridges washed away, and vast areas still without power or Internet access and other telecommunications.The UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) said that aid supplies are on the way and that emergency teams are supporting government responses in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti.Jamaica, food supportIn Jamaica, the World Food Programme (WFP) has assisted the Government with logistics, communications, and cash-based support, delivering 5,000 food kits — enough to feed 15,000 people for a week.The situation in the southern part of the country remains “apocalyptic”, with homes submerged, roads blocked, and people sleeping in the streets, said Brian Bogart, WFP Country Director.Despite this, Mr Bogart noted that prior preparedness efforts had helped speed up the response but emphasised that Jamaica’s resilience “must now be supported.”The UN is deploying emergency medical teams, supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts, providing psychological care, and assisting with disease surveillance.The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is preparing to send 5.5 tons of humanitarian aid, including health and trauma kits, medical backpacks, tents, water supplies, mosquito nets, and personal protective equipment.More than 284,000 Jamaican children are now in urgent need of support in the areas of health, education, nutrition, and protection, said the local UN child agency (UNICEF) team.“Yesterday, we were on our way to Black River in St Elizabeth, one of the hardest hit areas but the roads were blocked with fallen trees and power lines and this prevented us from reaching the most affected communities,” said the top UNICEF official on the island, Olga Isaza.The agency is responding swiftly to support the Government and other partners to assess the needs and deliver pre-positioned supplies including food, clean water, medicines, and emergency hygiene kits. Additional humanitarian aid is ready to be airlifted.Cuba, health assistanceMeanwhile, from its Regional Strategic Stockpile in Panama, PAHO has dispatched 2.6 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba.The shipment includes emergency kits with medicines, medical, and surgical supplies sufficient to care for 5,000 people for three months. It also includes chlorine tablets to treat millions of litres of water, along with essential medical and shelter supplies.UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that in eastern Cuba, “preliminary assessments indicate severe damage across Santiago, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo, including to homes, roads, and health facilities,” adding that “hundreds of communities remain isolated, and access continues to be hampered by damaged road, rail, and air transport infrastructure.”Once ground communications are restored, supplies will be sent to the most affected areas of eastern Cuba.Mr Dujarric said that the UN “along with our partners are supporting national authorities with assessments and early recovery plans.” .................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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31 October 2025

US strikes in Caribbean and Pacific breach international law, says UN rights chief

More than 60 people have reportedly been killed in the continuing series of attacks since early September “in circumstances that find no justification in international law,” Volker Türk said in a statement.He urged the US to halt its “unacceptable” operations and take measures to prevent the “extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them.”Beyond the lawThe United States has defended the operations as part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorism, asserting that they fall within the framework of international humanitarian law.Mr. Türk rejected that argument, stressing that countering illicit drug trafficking is a law-enforcement matter, governed by careful limits on lethal force set out in international human rights law.He emphasised that the intentional use of lethal force is lawful only as a last resort when individuals pose an imminent threat to life.Call for investigations“Based on the very sparse information provided publicly by the US authorities, none of the individuals on the targeted boats appeared to pose an imminent threat to the lives of others or otherwise justified the use of lethal armed force against them under international law,” Mr. Türk said.The High Commissioner called for prompt, independent and transparent investigations into the reported attacks.While acknowledging the serious challenges posed by drug trafficking, Mr. Türk urged the US to ensure that all counter-narcotics operations respect international law, including the treaties to which it is party.“The United States should investigate and, if necessary, prosecute and punish individuals accused of serious crimes in accordance with the fundamental rule-of-law principles of due process and fair trial, for which the US has long stood,” he concluded...................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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30 October 2025

Hurricane Melissa leaves thousands displaced across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation after crossing Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, with severe effects also felt in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and parts of Central America, the UN aid coordination office (UNOCHA) reported on Thursday.However, extensive storm preparation by governments, assisted by UN agencies and other NGOs, appears to have helped lessen the impact and saved lives in many areas.In Cuba, the hurricane struck the province of Santiago de Cuba with winds exceeding 200 km/h per hour and six hours of torrential rain. “Melissa is one of the three most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in Cuba and the strongest worldwide this year,” said Francisco Pichon, UN Resident Coordinator for Cuba, during a press briefing via videoconference in New York.“More than three million people were exposed to life-threatening conditions, and nearly 240 communities are cut off due to flooding and landslides”, he added speaking via video.Existing vulnerabilitiesThe storm compounded existing vulnerabilities. Many affected areas had already suffered from last year’s Hurricane Oscar and earthquakes – while drought, rising viral diseases, and energy shortages caused further strain.Despite these challenges, Cuba’s civil defence system helped evacuate over 77,000 people to protection centres, including schools temporarily repurposed as shelters.Mr. Pichon highlighted the UN’s anticipatory action framework, which pre-positioned relief supplies and personnel before the storm hit. “This mechanism allowed us to respond quickly and ensure that essential goods reached the people who needed them most,” he said.Plans are underway to reach two million people in the coming days, including food security, health, education, shelter, water and sanitation, and logistics.Early preparedness saves livesIn Haiti, the storm’s slow movement brought flash floods, landslides, and severe damage to crops, said Gregoire Goodstein, the UN’s interim Humanitarian Coordinator.“At least 24 people have died, 17 were injured, and 18 remain missing,” he reported. Around 15,000 people are currently sheltering in over 120 temporary facilities.Early preparedness helped save lives. “We deployed emergency stocks, set up evacuation shelters, and sent out 3.5 million early warning messages,” Mr. Goodstein told journalists. “Rapid response teams worked alongside national authorities to ensure communities could evacuate safely,” he added.Haiti faces the storm amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with 1.4 million people displaced, widespread hunger affecting half the population, and cholera outbreaks in some areas.Mr. Goodstein noted that the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan is currently 87 per cent underfunded, putting life-saving operations at risk.“Humanitarian needs remain immense, and international cooperation is crucial.”The UN continues to coordinate assistance across the Caribbean, supporting both immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa...................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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30 October 2025

Hurricane Melissa: Devastation in Jamaica at levels ‘never been seen before'

As Hurricane Melissa moved north of Jamaica on Wednesday, the head of the UN team there said that preliminary damage assessments from the category 5 storm showed a level of devastation “never seen before” on the Caribbean island.UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu emphasised the UN remains closely engaged with governments across the region, on-the-ground UN agencies, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), noting the “tremendous and unprecedented destruction of infrastructure,” across Jamaica where Melissa made landfall on Tuesday.Looking to the months-long reconstruction and recovery effort ahead, he told correspondents in New York via video conference that it would take “a lot of resources” to rebuild and put the thriving economy back on its feet.“I don't think there's any single soul on this island that was not affected by Hurricane Melissa", highlighted the resident coordinator. ‘Terrible tragedy’UN World Food Programme (WFP) Director for the Caribbean Multi-Country Office, Brian Bogart, told UN News from the capital, Kingston: “This is a terrible tragedy and there is a real sense of urgency here on the ground. What we're really focused on now is trying to get food and logistics support to enable the entire humanitarian community to respond in coordination with the government”. Mr. Bogart said the agency’s primary focus is to deliver 2,000 emergency food boxes which are ready to be airlifted from Barbados as soon as the airport reopens, which would be enough to support 6,000 people for a week. As the leading logistical agency, WFP is also loading a vessel in Barbados from the Logistics Hub run alongside the CDEMA, with essentials – such as hygiene kits, shelter, generators – and other items from UN agencies and partners to support the humanitarian effort in Jamaica.Hurricane barrels onEarly Wednesday morning, Hurricane Melissa crossed into Cuba, bringing 120 mph winds, heavy rain, and a warning of “life-threatening” storm surges, according to news reports. It’s due to move on to The Bahamas, followed by Bermuda.The storm weakened to a category 2 reaching Cuba, but the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) there said Melissa would “remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across the Bahamas later today.”The UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the slow-moving storm was “yet another demonstration of climate science and why we must fight for a world at 1.5 degrees Celsius.”Data from the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) shows Melissa ranks among the most intense storms to strike Cuba in recent decades, with maximum sustained winds near 138 mph (222 km/h) and two-day rainfall totals approaching 145 millimetres. ......................................................................On Wednesday, the UN allocated $4 million each to Haiti and Cuba from its Central Emergency Fund to help communities prepare for the storm and reduce its impact. According to news reports, at least 20 Haitians – including 10 children – died due to river flooding as Melissa barrelled across the region. UN working ‘hand in hand’ with authoritiesConveying his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his solidarity with the governments and communities affected by the hurricane. “Guided by Resident Coordinators on the ground, the UN is working hand in hand with authorities and humanitarian partners to assess needs, assist those impacted, and prepare in areas that may yet face the storm’s impact,” he said. UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock tweeted that for small island developing States “the climate crisis is a lived reality, and the cost of inaction is measured in lives and livelihoods. Adaptation isn’t optional, it’s survival. Solidarity must become sustained, scaled-up climate action.”............................................................................This story was first published by UN News.

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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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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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Press Release

30 July 2025

UNAIDS hails historic court ruling in St Lucia decriminalizing consensual same-sex relations

Kingston/Geneva 30 July 2025—UNAIDS celebrates the groundbreaking decision by the High Court of Justice in Saint Lucia declaring sections 132 and 133 of the Criminal Code unconstitutional for criminalizing consensual adult sexual acts in private. This triumph upholds LGBTQ+ people’s rights to protection of the law, privacy, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution."This landmark decision underscores the transformative power of the law in protecting human rights and public health," said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "In a region where punitive laws hindered progress towards ending AIDS, Saint Lucia's High Court has set a powerful precedent. UNAIDS stands ready to support all governments and communities in ensuring everyone can live free from discrimination and access the services they need to thrive healthily and safely," said Ms. Cabal.The case is one of the five country strategic litigation initiatives of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) which has been working closely with LGBTQ+ organizations, individuals and allies to protect and promote the community’s basic human rights. The case removes outdated, colonial-era barriers that fuel stigma, discrimination and violence. The Court modified the laws relating to exclude private consensual acts between adults (section 132) and those aged 16+ (section 133), paving the way for dignity and equality to be respected.Saint Lucia now joins Belize (2016), Antigua and Barbuda (2022), St. Kitts and Nevis (2022), Barbados (2022), and Dominica (2024), which decriminalised same-sex intimacy in recent years. This chronology reflects a surging momentum against outdated laws, fostering more inclusive, rights-based societies across the region."The ruling in Saint Lucia gives us hope, demonstrating that justice and equality can prevail and that our courts are advancing public health initiatives by protecting human rights," said Richard Amenyah, UNAIDS Country Director for the Caribbean. "By removing these outdated criminal provisions, we open doors for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek HIV prevention and care without fear, ultimately strengthening our regional fight against HIV and saving lives."UNAIDS champions this move as a key stride toward zero discrimination and ending AIDS by 2030. By erasing these discriminatory provisions, the ruling removes an obstacle to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, vital in a region where gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender women have disproportionately high rates of HIV and often are kept away from health services for fear of stigma, discrimination and criminalization.UNAIDS urges remaining countries where these discriminatory laws remain on the books to repeal such laws and prioritize rights-based HIV strategies for healthier futures and more equitable societies.****** Contact UNAIDS LAC | Daniel de Castro | +507 6998 3175 | decastrod@unaids.org UNAIDS Caribbean | Jaevion Nelson | tel. +1 876 459 3211 | nelsonj@unaids.org UNAIDSThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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