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He called for more self-discipline when it comes to smoking cigarettes, diet and exercise. “We don’t seem to be able to resist cigarettes,” he said...

A new healthcare model, which is scheduled for implementation in January 2008, has the backing of Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for George Town Alfonso Wright.

The government backbencher stressed the need for a healthier country when he made his contribution to the Throne Speech, Budget Address and Government Policy Statement debate in the Legislative Assembly in George Town on Thursday, 10 May.

Paying attention to personal wellness, he said, would not only reap rewards to the individual but would also help curb the spiralling costs of healthcare - a worldwide problem.

Far too many older Caymanians suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure, both lifestyle related diseases, that place a considerable strain on health services, he said.

Mr Wright encouraged residents to take that important step towards creating a healthier nation.

He called for more self-discipline when it comes to smoking cigarettes, diet and exercise.

“We don’t seem to be able to resist cigarettes,” he said.

He applauded Sports Minister Hon Alden McLaughlin for setting a good example for the country by maintaining a vigorous exercise programme.

Mr Wright, one of four MLAs for the city, also called for greater vigilance to prevent child abuse.

For too long the problem has been “swept under the carpet,” he observed.

In a number of cases, abuse went unreported, as it is a source of embarrassment to families, he said.

“It is time we take a stand and do something about it,” Mr Wright said. “It happens a lot more frequently and a lot more than we want to admit.”

He also called for laws to be toughened so that police could investigate at the first hint that something was going on without having to depend on families to report.