Observing International Men’s Day …Ex-Servicemen champion health, mentorship

Senior Reporter

sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt

In observance of International Men’s Day, the Trinidad and Tobago Ex-Servicemen Association yesterday staged a march in San Fernando to celebrate men’s contributions.

Led by their president, Lester Johnson, the group walked from Coffee Street to Harris Promenade. Johnson, a retired Warrant Officer Class One in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, said the association was formed in 2008 and comprises 30 members, but they are aiming to increase their membership.

Encouraging men to be positive role models, Johnson said mentorship plays an important role in keeping young people on the right path. “I think we are looking at mentorship as a serious part of it. Previously people used to say the community is responsible for bringing up the child. We need to go back to those roots and have people involved in it and create proper mentors for the persons coming up now.”

Noting that the theme of International Men’s Day is “Positive Male Role Models,” honorary member Clunic Wallen said the sub-theme would be looking out for your brother’s health. Encouraging men to become more health conscious, Wallen, a retired divisional fire officer, said it was a fact that men don’t generally look after their health. He said men must understand that they can get sick, and he urged them to encourage their brothers to get medical check-ups and visit the doctor if they are not well.

“Prostate cancer is on the rise, and it’s so prevalent now that men need to get checked …”

Wallen also urged men to be gentlemen and not commit gender-based violence. “Don’t be violent. Don’t disrespect your wives or your spouse. Treat your life partners with respect. You are the leader in the home; lead by example and love your spouse and girls and children. Don’t abuse women; it is not on the cards.”

International Men’s Day founder in T&T Jerome Teelucksingh sent his remarks as he could not attend the event due to another engagement. He recalled that he started the observance in 1999 in Port-of-Spain, on his father’s birthday (November 19), and only eight people attended, but today it’s celebrated in 96 countries.

He said the main goals of this unique day were to focus on issues affecting men, such as mental health, their well-being, and the positive contributions they have made to society. He praised the association and everyone who attended the march for promoting peace and positive masculinity.

See pages 18, 25

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