Five-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist ‘Golden Girl’ Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie now serves as the National Student Wellness Ambassador for the country for 12 months beginning March 2, 2026.
A press conference to announce her appointment, which is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, was held at the Ministry of Education on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
The collaboration supports a coordinated national effort to promote healthy lifestyles, nutrition literacy and positive performance habits among primary and secondary school students throughout The Bahamas.
Minister of Education the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said, “Research suggests that the more you educate students in a captive space called a school where they spend most of their day, the greater the outcomes for their health.
“The more they know the better they handle themselves.
“Further, the research says that 80 percent of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) can be prevented if we were to cause lifestyle adaptation and the spread of knowledge amongst our students.”
The Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville reiterated that 80 percent of CNCDs can be prevented and are brought on by lifestyles.
He explained that the Health and Wellness Ministry has a wellness team working to educate school-aged children and adults on how to reduce these lifestyle diseases.
Mrs. Ferguson-McKenzie asked parents to support the initiative by ensuring that their children get the best nutrition outside of the school environment.
She explained that when children have the proper nutrition, they are better able to focus.
The Gold Medalist said, “In 2026, working with the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we are hoping to take our youth to the next level.
“We are going to fix the nutrition issue. We are going to fix the way they learn. We are going to fix their health.”
She said the goal is to get students physically and mentally healthy, and as a consequence, the country will produce many more successful athletes.
This initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to address the growing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) such as obesity and diabetes. National and international data indicate that The Bahamas continues to face significant public health challenges related to these conditions, making early intervention and youth education critical priorities.
Through this initiative, the Ministries aim to strengthen students’ understanding of the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, discipline, and long-term health outcomes, while encouraging positive lifestyle behaviours from an early age.
In her role as National Student Wellness Ambassador, Ferguson-McKenzie will:
· Participate in Ministry-coordinated school engagements across the archipelago
· Deliver motivational presentations linking nutrition, discipline, and performance
· Support national student wellness campaigns and youth engagement initiatives
· Contribute to digital and media outreach promoting healthy lifestyles
· Support the development of student wellness challenges and youth-led initiatives.
The programme will combine in-person school visits, digital engagement, and national media outreach, ensuring students across New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands have equitable access to wellness education and inspiration.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister; Director, Ministry of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell and the Director, Department of Public Health, Dr. Phillip Swann were also in attendance at the press conference.
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