High prevalence of Non-communicable Disease risk factors (physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, obesity, alcohol use, and hypertension) was demonstrated among staff at Cave Hill, The University of the West Indies, in Barbados, with 54% having ≥ 3 risk factors. Rates were similar to those of the general Barbadian population.

This paper attempts to explain how chronic noncommunicable diseases affect the functioning of the economic system and how the working of the economy in turn influences the incidence of CNCDs in particular countries. Suggestions are then given regarding the alignment of economic and health policies to support the prevention and management imperatives presented by the CNCDs.

CARICOM convened the only Heads of Government Non-communicable Diseases Summit and then successfully advocated for the global-level United Nations High Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2011. Implementation of the Port-of-Spain NCD Declaration is related to population size and regional supports.