SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Windward Islands Bank (WIB) hosted a prostate cancer awareness discussion, bringing together male colleagues for an open conversation about men’s health, prostate cancer, and the importance of being proactive about their health.
The session was supported by the Positive and Elektralytes Foundation, whose work focuses on cancer awareness, education, and encouraging open conversations around health and early detection.
A particularly meaningful contribution came from Michael Ferrier, a prostate cancer survivor of more than 20 years, who shared his personal journey with colleagues. His openness, humour, and willingness to speak from experience brought a personal and relatable perspective to the discussion, helping create an environment where participants could ask questions, listen, and reflect on their own health.
The discussion also highlighted some of the factors that can influence a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, family history, ancestry, and certain inherited genetic changes. While some risk factors cannot be changed, knowing your personal and family history can help inform conversations with a healthcare provider.
“Understanding your risk is an important part of taking an active role in your health,” the Foundation shared, encouraging men to speak with their healthcare provider about whether screening is appropriate for them and when it should begin based on their individual circumstances.
Feedback from WIB colleagues following the session was positive, with participants describing the conversation as informative and thought-provoking.
For WIB’s Senior Management, creating that space for conversation was an important part of the initiative. “We wanted to create a comfortable space where our colleagues could have an open and honest conversation about prostate cancer and their health,” said Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head. “If this discussion encourages even one person to ask more questions, take their health more seriously, or make that appointment to get checked, then it was well worth it.”
The Positive and Elektralytes Foundation also emphasized the importance of continuing conversations around cancer and men’s health. Creating spaces where people feel comfortable discussing their health can help break down barriers and encourage individuals to take a more active role in their well-being.
Through initiatives such as this, WIB continues to support the health and well-being of its employees while contributing to greater awareness of important health issues within the Sint Maarten community.
