Mercedes Wyatt and Shelly Alphonso.
PHILIPSBURG--Men ages 40 and older in St. Maarten will have access to free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings on September 5, 12 and 19 as part of the eighth annual “Man UP, Check UP” Prostate Cancer Awareness Month campaign.
The Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation are leading the 2026 campaign, which is being held under the theme “Man UP, Check UP” and aims to encourage men to take proactive steps toward their health through early detection, education and community engagement.
The free PSA blood tests will be offered by St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) at NAPA Auto Parts locations in Cole Bay and Philipsburg from 9:00am to 1:00pm on each of the three Saturdays.
There will be no out-of-pocket cost for men ages 40 and older participating in the screenings.
The Positive Foundation, Elektralyets Foundation and SLS have partnered to provide 100 free PSA test vouchers for uninsured men. The vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For insured men, the cost of the PSA test will be covered by Social and Health Insurances SZV or participating private insurance providers according to their respective coverage policies.
All participants must present valid identification to complete the screening process. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the bloodstream and helps assess prostate health.
“Men’s health is a priority, and regular PSA screening is an important step toward early detection and better health outcomes. The Department encourages men to take charge of their health by taking advantage of this opportunity to get screened” says the Collective Prevention Services (CPS).
Dr. Cherina Fleming, Director and Clinical Chemist at SLS, said, “SLS is proud to collaborate with Positive and the Elektralyets Foundations to help put men’s health first. Prostate cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because many men may have no obvious symptoms. That is why awareness, education, and appropriate screening conversations are so important. Through this collaboration, we are encouraging men to take charge of their prostate health by getting their PSA evaluated. A simple blood test can provide valuable information that, together with a healthcare professional’s assessment, can help identify men who may need further evaluation. SLS’s goal is simple: increase awareness, encourage early detection, and give men the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. At SLS, we believe that prevention starts with awareness – and that every man deserves the opportunity to know his numbers and take action early.”
Longtime prostate cancer awareness advocate Michael Ferrier of NAPA Auto Parts said, “Team NAPA SXM is proud to support prostate cancer awareness by opening our Colebay and Philipsburg locations for free PSA screenings. We are helping to ensure that men in our community have convenient access to early detection and trusted health information. Supporting this campaign is part of our commitment to the well-being of St. Maarten”
The campaign will also include a prostate cancer awareness panel discussion on September 19 at the Lion’s Civic Center on Suckergarden Road #13.
The “Let’s Talk About Sex – 4” discussion will follow a Men’s Night Out Happy Hour from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, with the panel discussion scheduled from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Panellists will include Dr. Ramos and Dr. Rojas, urologists at SMMC, Health and Fitness Coach Solens Dornezon and dietitian Karen Eusebius.
The discussion will address prostate cancer risks, the importance of screening, sexual health, nutrition and lifestyle factors that contribute to long-term wellness. “The St. Maarten Lions Club continues to support this annual event as it aligns with the clubs service pillars – Cancer Awareness. Through collaboration with the Positive and Elektralyets Foundations, we aim to reach a wider audience helping to inform and educate our community on the challenges of cancer, living with it and how to support those with cancer. The work done by these foundations is commendable and needed and have touched many lives over the years” said Lion President Elton Richardson.
The campaign will conclude its September activities with a Men’s Health Day and Open House at St. Maarten Medical Center on September 26 from 9:00am. to 2:00pm.
The event will include a review of PSA results from the September screenings, along with additional health assessments for blood pressure, diabetes and HIV.
Medical professionals will be available to discuss results, answer questions and guide men on next steps for maintaining or improving their health.
Shari De Riggs, Senior Communications Officer at SMMC, said that “since 2019 we’ve partnered with Positive and Elektralyets Foundations and other partners to provide free prostate cancer screenings to our community during the Men’s Health Day and every year, the number of men screened increases. We are proud to continue this lifesaving work and encourage all men over 40 to take control of their health as early detection saves lives.”
“The Positive and Elektralyets Foundations are committed to improving men’s health in St. Maarten, we believe prostate cancer awareness is a shared community responsibility. Through the ‘Man UP, Check UP’ campaign, now active in St. Maarten, Anguilla, and St. Eustatius, and with outreach to Saba this year, we are empowering men to take charge of their health by making early detection accessible to all. By covering the cost of PSA testing for uninsured men and working closely with our collaborators, we are removing barriers, expanding access, and ensuring every man can make informed decisions about his wellbeing. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for our island.” Says Presidents of the Positive and Elektralyets Foundations Shelly Alphonso and Mercedes van der Waals -Wyatt.
The campaign is being organised in partnership with SLS, NAPA Auto Parts, SMMC, the St. Maarten Lion’s Club and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor’s Collective Prevention Services.
The foundations are encouraging men to attend the free screenings and participate in the September events, while families and community members are also being encouraged to support the men in their lives by promoting awareness and participation.
