SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Sol Antilles St. Maarten proudly launched its annual observance of Men’s Week 2025 with a dynamic and insightful one-hour session facilitated by Dr. Van Gaalen of the Mental Health Foundation St. Maarten. The session marked the official start of a week dedicated to highlighting the mental health challenges faced by men, many of whom continue to struggle silently due to cultural pressures, stigma, and misconceptions surrounding emotional wellness.
Dr. Van Gaalen addressed the long-standing stigmas attached to men expressing vulnerability, emphasizing how these harmful narratives discourage men from seeking help. He also discussed the thin and often misunderstood line between stigma and discrimination, stressing the importance of recognizing subtle forms of bias that contribute to emotional isolation and untreated mental health issues within the male community.
Throughout the session, participants engaged deeply with topics related to stress management, emotional fatigue, and coping mechanisms. Dr. Van Gaalen encouraged men to develop healthier strategies for handling stress, including identifying triggers, practicing emotional regulation, and seeking early intervention instead of waiting until challenges escalate. He highlighted that mental health is not merely the absence of illness but a crucial part of overall wellbeing that affects relationships, workplace performance, decision-making, and quality of life.
In recognition of the vital work carried out by the Mental Health Foundation—and as part of its corporate social responsibility—Sol Antilles St. Maarten pledged a donation to support the Foundation’s mental health programs. This contribution reinforces Sol’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift the community and address critical social issues.
Beyond the opening day, Sol Antilles hosted a full week of engaging, supportive, and community-centered activities in observance of Men’s Week. These included:
- General Health session with Registered Nurse Kimberly Paul (Nov. 17)
- Mental Health Awareness session with Dr. Van Gaalen (Nov. 18)
- Pool Table Night at Pineapple Pete’s, fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and recreation (Nov. 20)
The week culminated on November 21st with an inspiring session centered by Kenty Lichtenberg of Be Your Own Brand on the topic:
“Dads as Role Models: Grooming, Self-Pride & Positive Masculinity in Their Boys.”
This final session connected directly to the International Men’s Day theme, “Supporting Men and Boys,” and highlighted the powerful influence fathers and male guardians have in shaping the confidence, emotional wellbeing, and identity of younger generations. Participants reflected on the early impact of male role models, the importance of modeling self-care and grooming, and how positive masculinity can be cultivated through everyday actions, authenticity, and presence.
Self – Care gift certificates were handed over, words of thanks were shared, and the session closed with a unified commitment to continue supporting men across the island—at home, at work, and within the wider community.
“We would like to encourage the business community and the public sector to continue advocating for the importance of mental health within the male community,” stated Marisca Peterson and Robert James of Sol Antilles. “Men are often expected to be strong, resilient, and silent, but this silence can come at a cost. By opening conversations, breaking stigmas, and creating supportive spaces, we can collectively help redefine what strength truly looks like. We invite all organizations to join us in promoting mental wellness—not just during Men’s Week, but year-round—to ensure that every man feels seen, supported, and empowered to seek the help he needs.”
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