Building Healthier Communities:Kriston Clarke’s Vision for Transforming Public Health in The Bahamas

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – Growing up in The Bahamas, Kriston Clarke witnessed firsthand how gaps in healthcare access could affect entire families and communities. Today, as a Lyford Cay Foundations’ Sir John Templeton Memorial Scholar and Master of Public Health candidate at Johns Hopkins University, Kriston is determined to change that reality – not just for a few, but for many.

“I chose public health because I’ve always been driven to make meaningful impacts at both the individual and systemic levels,” said Kriston. “Healthcare should be an asset, not a burden, but structural inequities have made it otherwise for too many people.”

Kriston’s passion stems from personal experiences watching loved ones navigate chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, often without consistent access to the resources they needed. Those early observations shaped his belief that lasting health solutions begin in communities, not only within clinics.

Now, through his research assistantship and studies at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Kriston is working to strengthen healthcare systems by addressing social determinants of health. His work includes projects like Project Vital, which explores how rewilding vacant lots might improve adolescent health disparities, and the TRUSTY project, which examines how youth perceive research to amplify their voices in shaping healthcare services. Both initiatives underscore Kriston’s belief that healthier environments and empowered communities are key to sustainable public health outcomes.

“My goal is to bridge gaps in health equity by applying innovative research methods and building community-centered solutions,” he explained. “By understanding the root causes of health disparities, we can create better policies and better outcomes.”

Looking to the future, Kriston’s ambitions are firmly rooted in service to his home country. He envisions working with organisations such as the Ministry of Health, the Public Hospitals Authority, and National Health Insurance of The Bahamas to confront the high rates of non-communicable diseases in The Bahamas, which account for up to 74% of all deaths according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). His strategies include strengthening preventive care, advancing health education, and fostering greater collaboration between agencies.

A major part of Kriston’s vision focuses on enhancing access to healthcare services for Family Island residents, where barriers to consistent care remain high. By applying models like value-based care, Kriston hopes to improve outcomes while reducing the strain on Nassau and Freeport-based facilities.

“Preventive care must become the cornerstone of our national health strategy,” he said. “We must empower Family Island residents with the tools, education, and specialist support they need right where they live.”

Beyond The Bahamas, Kriston also aims to support other Caribbean nations and low-to-middle income countries in strengthening their health systems, using data-driven decision-making and community-focused approaches to build resilience and trust in healthcare institutions.

Through it all, Kriston remains deeply committed to the transformative power of education, both for himself and for the communities he serves. By pursuing his studies at the top-ranked school of public health in the United States, he is equipping himself with the leadership skills needed to create lasting change.

“Health is more than treating illness; it’s about creating environments where people can thrive,” Kriston said. “Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, I hope to help The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean realise that future.”

As one of The Bahamas’ promising young public health leaders, Kriston Clarke represents the heart of Lyford Cay Foundations’ mission: supporting educational access to build a stronger, healthier nation.

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Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.