Features
Newsday reporter
A donation to an all-boys primary school, as well as dedicated quality time among male staff members, were the ways CIBC FirstCaribbean celebrated International Men’s Day (IMD) recently.
IMD globally celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities on November 19. This year’s theme was Helping Men and Boys.
Trinidad Operating Market managing director Anthony Seeraj said it was important for men to help each other.
“One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is the focus on men’s health and well-being. Whether from a social, emotional, physical or spiritual perspective, it is important that men – even from a young age – learn more about how to help each other,” said Anthony Seeraj in the release.
The bank organized a special session with male staff to discuss health and lifestyle issues. They were guided by Dr Oti Esimaje, medical director of Newtown Medical Centre; Sherma Mills-Serrette, Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society clinic manager and Nigel Thomas, coordinator, employee assistance and workplace support at Families in Action.
In this session, there was an urgent call for men to reduce their risk and lead a better and healthier lifestyle. Esimaje said it was important for men to know their numbers – from BMI to blood sugar – to ensure they are in a safe zone as it relates to health issues, lifestyle diseases and depression.
“The main cause of death in men is ischemic heart disease. Not to sound like the bearer of bad news, but there are ways to manage,” said Esimaje.
Ischemic heart disease is the term given to heart problems caused by narrowing of the heart’s arteries. When the arteries narrow, less blood and oxygen reach the heart muscle. This leads to heart attacks. However, knowing your risk score can make this more manageable, Esimaje said. He advised that every associate should look out for each other to make sure they are okay.
Mills-Serrette echoed similar sentiments when she asked the men at the hearing to create a movement of brotherhood among themselves and encourage each other to get screened for prostate cancer.
“Be a creature of habit. “Early detection saves lives,” she said.
According to Esimaje statistics, prostate cancer ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in men. However, Mills-Serrette said it carries the highest male cancer death toll in TT. Mortality is concerning, she added, as healthy coping skills are needed to face the disease head on. But Mills-Serrette also noted that she’s noticed an influx in the show, hoping the message of brotherhood and caring for each other will encourage more men to take time and care for themselves.
Thomas, however, took a different perspective on the importance of self-care. “It’s time for you,” he said. “It’s more than a spa day, as some people might see it. It’s about setting boundaries.”
Thomas, who is also a registered and certified mediator, encouraged men to feel comfortable making time for their peace of mind and well-being.
Through Helping Boys, the bank supported Nelson Street Boys’ RC School by providing funds to install much-needed air conditioning units.
The school, which was established in 1899, is located south of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Alumni included the late Prime Minister George Chambers as well as the late founder and director of the Medical Research Foundation Dr Courtney Bartholomew.
Many decades later the school continues to shine. The school is proud of its SanFest drumming championship title. It is top of the table for football in the Port of Spain Area primary school league. VSM results have seen some students move on to some of the top secondary schools such as Queen’s Royal College and St Mary’s College.
The school received $10,000 from the bank’s ComTrust Foundation for the provision and installation of AC units. This will benefit the reading room used by the students of the infant department and the staff room.
“Nelson Street Boys carries history, from teaching prominent citizens to showing its best forward in academic, cultural and sporting activities. But we must also remember that school also has its challenges. So CIBC FirstCaribbean was happy to support the school in any way possible,” said Seeraj.
