The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) hosted its International Men’s Day Conference on Wednesday, drawing nearly 100 male participants from workplaces across the island to the Union’s Freedom Hall Headquarters. The event, held under the theme “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Communities,” focused on strengthening men’s well-being across the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions.
In opening the conference, ABWU General Secretary Sen. David Massiah urged men to take a proactive role in building strong families and other social institutions that shape the nation. He reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to supporting its male membership: “The union that represents you, that negotiates for you, is here to stand with you,” Massiah stated, noting that empowered and healthy men contribute significantly to stronger families, workplaces, and communities.
The first session featured Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles Richards, who underscored mental wellness as a critical foundation for building stable families and thriving communities. She encouraged men to actively prioritise their mental and emotional health, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and self-care. “In order for you to really love anyone else, you have to love yourself,” Richards noted.
An interactive session led by Urologist Dr. Dwayne Thwaites followed, focusing on common health risks affecting men of African descent, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer. Dr. Thwaites highlighted the importance of understanding one’s family medical history and stressed the value of early detection. “The most important thing we should take away today is that these diseases are treatable once we pick them up early,” Thwaites concluded.
The final session, facilitated by esthetician Octavia Nicholas, explored the significance of personal grooming and self-care as contributors to confidence and overall well-being. Addressing the stigma often associated with personal care treatments such as manicures and pedicures, Nicholas encouraged the men to adopt an open-minded approach and to challenge long-held perceptions. Her presentation sparked lively discussion among attendees.
Participants described the conference as informative, engaging, and timely. One attendee remarked that the atmosphere felt like “a day on the block,” referencing the camaraderie that emerged throughout the day. Another expressed appreciation for the initiative, adding, “I really want to thank the Union for putting on this conference just for us, because sometimes men are overlooked.”
As the conference concluded, the Union reiterated its pledge to invest in programmes that support and challenge men to contribute more, at every level, in building a stable and productive society.
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