PHILIPSBURG:--- The Pregnancy Market 2014 hosted by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) and Community Development, Family, & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) had a successful turnout on Saturday September 6th. Fourteen stakeholders came out in their glory and supported the event with lots of information and give- a- ways. They included: Alpha Healthcare Services, Nagico Insurances, Guardian Group Fatum Insurances, Section Youth Health Care Sint Maarten White Yellow Cross Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, Manrique Caprilles & Sons, Social & Health Insurance (SZV), Court of Guardianship, Civil Registry, Community Help Desk/Women's Desk, Prime Distributors(Nestle), Divico, and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
The day was filled with fun informative activities from a demonstration on "Dancing with Babies" by Patty Zumba Fitness to various lectures for the expectant parents: "Dads: Signs & Symptoms You Can Expect During Pregnancy", Tips for Fathers: What Can You Do To Support Her During Pregnancy";"Experience Teaches: Us Joys and Cries of Fatherhood", . Minister Cornelius de Weever issued a special thank you to the lecturers: Dr. Bekele, Mr. Reynaldo Baker, Mrs. Angelique Romou-Martis, and Mr. Rodney Davis for their excellent presentations; the poster models Mr. and Mrs. Poornam; Radio Jingle Personalities - Mikaela Schaap, Jerryon Peterson, Malakhai Duzong, Abrienna York, and Vasco Daal; NIPA for the location; Information Booth Holders; Dedicated Brothers; the two representatives from PAHO; and the two organizing departments CPS & CDFHA in a press release on Thursday.
The setting for the day created an ambiance with a market style setting of different organizations and businesses that cater to parents and newborns. With a special emphasis on the role of the father during pregnancy and newborn care.The Ministry of Public Health, Social development and Labor hopes to have encouraged and empowered men to become more actively involved in the upbringing and development of their child(ren) from pregnancy and onward.
