Minister Connor gets tested, urges men to make their Health a priority

GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor dedicated Saturday, September 19, to men’s health, participating in two prostate cancer awareness initiatives aimed at encouraging men across St. Maarten to take greater responsibility for their health.

Accompanied by the two male members of his Cabinet, Minister Connor joined the ongoing “Man UP, Check UP” prostate cancer awareness campaign earlier in the day, participating in PSA testing at NAPA Auto Parts on A.Th. Illidge Road.

The campaign encourages men to take a proactive approach to their health through early detection, education and regular health checks.

Minister Connor said participating in the screening was about more than lending support to the campaign.

“As leaders, we have to be willing to lead by example. We cannot encourage our men to take care of their health if we are not prepared to do the same ourselves.”

The Minister said he was particularly encouraged by the turnout, noting that men from different ages, professions and backgrounds were standing in line to take advantage of the opportunity to get tested.

He later learned that more than 500 men had already been tested through the campaign, which he described as an encouraging indication of the importance of making health screening accessible and visible within the community.

“Seeing so many men come out and take that step is exactly what initiatives like Man UP, Check UP are about,” Minister Connor said. “We have to remove the idea that going for a health check is a sign of weakness. It is the opposite. Taking responsibility for your health is strength.”

Minister Connor stressed that the opportunity for men to take action does not end with Saturday’s screening.

Additional PSA screenings are scheduled for Friday, September 25, at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). The Minister encouraged men who have not yet taken advantage of the available screening opportunities to do so.

“I encourage our men not to wait and not to assume that because they feel healthy, they do not need to get checked,” Minister Connor said. “If you have not yet taken advantage of the screening opportunities, look out for the upcoming dates and make the time to get checked.”

He also encouraged men to follow the additional screening dates and prostate cancer awareness activities being held throughout the remainder of September.

“This month is full of opportunities for our men to learn, ask questions and take action,” the Minister said. “I encourage every man to look out for the upcoming activities and find an opportunity that works for you. Man UP. Check UP.”

Minister Connor’s day continued that evening with his participation in “Let’s Talk About Sex 4, Prostate Cancer Awareness,” a Men’s Night Out organized by the ELEKTRAlytes Foundation and Positive Foundation.

The event brought men together in an informal setting for conversation, education and fellowship focused on prostate cancer and men’s health.

Addressing those gathered, Minister Connor thanked ELEKTRAlytes and the Positive Foundation for continuing to create opportunities for men to engage openly about their health.

“Tonight is Men’s Night Out,” the Minister said. “We are going to hang out, learn and mingle, but most importantly, we are going to be amongst each other. Sometimes simply having the opportunity to sit down with other men and talk openly can make all the difference.”

He also encouraged men not to wait until they experience symptoms before paying attention to their health.

“Man UP. Check UP. Take care of yourself.”

Minister Connor expressed appreciation to the health professionals who participated in the prostate cancer awareness panel: Dr. Diego Ramos, Urologist at St. Maarten Medical Center; Dr. Carlos Rojas, Urologist at St. Maarten Medical Center; Karen Eusebius, Dietician; and Solens Dornezon, Health and Fitness Coach.

He also recognized the staff of the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) for their continued work in bringing public health initiatives into the community.

“Our civil servants continue to work behind the scenes and on the ground to push important public health initiatives and ensure that health awareness reaches our communities,” Minister Connor said. “Their work matters, and on behalf of the Ministry, I thank them.”

The Minister also thanked the St. Maarten Lions Club for its continued community involvement and for making its clubhouse available for the Men’s Night Out event.

Minister Connor emphasized that improving men’s health cannot be the responsibility of government or healthcare professionals alone.

“Community organizations, healthcare professionals, government and residents all have a role to play in creating a healthier St. Maarten,” he said.

He encouraged men to continue the conversation beyond organized campaign activities and to encourage their fathers, brothers, sons, friends and colleagues to take their health seriously.

“Don’t wait until there is a problem,” Minister Connor urged. “The goal is not simply to live longer. The goal is to be there, healthy, present and strong, for the people who depend on us and the people we love.”

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor continues to support initiatives promoting prevention, early detection, health education and greater awareness of men’s health issues.

Man UP. Check UP.

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