Booths at the Men’s Health fair conducted by Gender affairs June 15, 2012 at Sir Olva Georges Plaza. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Ms. Connor (left) Ms. Herbert (right) at the Men’s Health fair at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

The fair is being held at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza and is a part of Men’s Health Week.

Speaking to Gender Affairs Coordinator Lorolie Connor, she stated that the event is geared towards the men of the Virgin Islands (VI) no matter their age or profession. “The event will provide preventative methods for all men pertaining to their health.”

The fair features different businesses such as the Bless Hands Health Spa, Dental Service BVI, Social Development Department, BVI Diabetes Association, Sandy Lane Centre and the Department of Agriculture.

In a synopsis, Ms. Connor stated that within every tent a male visits, he will be engaged in discussions about men’s health and techniques to stay away from or get over things that can harm him.

According to Ms. Connor, Gender Affairs is so passionate about the project because the men of the VI are generally afraid or “too tough” to go to the doctors or to get check-ups. “Since they are afraid to go to the doctor we are bringing the doctors to them.”

“The office of Gender Affairs is charged with promoting gender equality and equity and statistically it is evident that the men don’t take care of themselves.” She added that men should be able to ‘stick’ around to be fathers to their children and husbands to their wives.

In addition to the fair, Gender Affairs has scheduled for different doctors to visit businesses in the VI that are male dominated.

“These doctors in a one hour session will speak to the men about erectile dysfunction, pressure, diabetes, and the effects that they can have on their bodies,” said the Gender affairs Coordinator.

The schedule for doctor visits to the different business are as follows; Royal Virgin Islands Police Force on June 19, 2012 by Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Solid Waste Management on June 20, and Public Works, Water and Sewerage Department on June 21, both being visited by public doctors of the BVI Health Services Authority and BVI Electricity Cooperation from June 25-27 by Dr. Hesketh Vanterpool.

Speaking to Angela Herbert, Administrative Director in the Gender Affairs Department, she stated that the visits are to further educate men about the different ailments that are affecting them.

She added that the department also held educational sessions with the Althea Scatliffe Primary School on June 14, 2012, where Kelvin Fahie from Sandy Lane and Laura Freeman from the Social Development Department spoke about drugs and alcohol as well as “good touch bad touch.”

“Our focus is not only on the males but the boys in the society as well.”