(CHARLESTOWN –NEVIS)—Tuesday 19th November will be a historic day on Nevis. On that day, the Gender Affairs division of the Social Services Department will be hosting an event to celebrate International Men’s Day.
According to newly appointed Coordinator of the Gender Affairs Unit, Ms Lorraine Archibald, the objectives of the event which will be in the form of a men’s health fair, has some major objectives which include:
• To provide adequate health care for men and boys
• Improve gender relations
• Promote gender equality
• Highlight positive role models
• Celebrate achievements and contributions of men and boys
• To promote basic human values
The theme to be used internationally is: ‘Keeping men and boys safe’ but the localized theme is: ‘Boosting male life expectancy by keeping men and boys safe from avoidable illnesses and death.’
Mrs. Shelly Liburd who is the Gender Officer noted that her Unit decided that this year to commence the celebration of the day which has been recognized worldwide for some time now and will ensure that it becomes an annual event.
The Health fair which is slated for Tuesday 19th November, will be held at the Memorial square in Charlestown from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will feature several booths which will include:
The HIV/AIDS Unit
The Agriculture Department
David Walwyn and his fit crew
Mental Health Unit
Alexandra Hospital Pharmacy
Nature’s Way
Back To My Roots
There will also be a condom fitting demonstration and free blood pressure and sugar testing.
Additionally, there will be an entertainment package between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. which will feature the talents of mainly men and boys.
The other activity planned for this year’s celebration will be a health walk on Saturday 23rd November. The route to be used begins at the Memorial Square and continues as follows:
Samuel Hunkins Drive; past the Artisan Village; towards TDC Home and Depot; right turn past the Craft House into Hamilton via the by-pass road; past the Observer office onto Pump Road; past the Delta Gas Station; through Bath Plain; around the roundabout; past Reliable Motors; along Main Street and return to the Memorial Square.
Both ladies are urging the general public to participate in the two big upcoming events, especially the men and boys of Nevis.