International Men's Day, celebrated on November 19th, is a global awareness day for men's health and well-being. Fortunately for us in the Caribbean, this day was inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. It was created by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh to commemorate his father's birthday. In acknowledgment of this observance, Sonia Noel Inc., in collaboration with the Sonia Noel Foundation, is proud to host four events - three of them will be online, and one will be onsite at Theatre Guild, catering to young men primarily.
These four events will highlight and seek solutions for the social issues faced by men, both mentally and physically. While some may argue that men's issues are already well-represented, it's important to recognize that these issues often go unaddressed or are stigmatized. By dedicating a specific day to men's health and well-being, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
The Sonia Noel Foundation has hosted events in the past to commemorate this significant day. This year, three virtual events are scheduled commencing at 7 pm Guyana time. The Men Across Borders series will feature speakers from various countries from the 18th to the 20th. The esteemed panel includes.
Dr. Clinton Urling from Guyana. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with over twenty-five years of experience across various sectors. His professional endeavors span significant roles in hospitality, oil and gas, real estate, and supply chains for both restaurant and construction materials.
Oliver Chikodzore is from Zimbabwe and lives in South Africa. He is a mentor, Entrepreneur, author, and investor who stands as a beacon of hope and innovation within the global community. He is dedicated to reshaping the narrative of Africa's future.
Dr Anthony Bowen was born in Guyana and has resided in New York for over 30 years. He is a dynamic technology and digital marketing leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and delivering transformative solutions.
Dr Akanimo Odon is a Nigerian living in London He is Head of Africa Strategic Partnerships, Lancaster University UK. Dr Odon is a dynamic speaker who is continuously invited worldwide to present at many events.
Saurel Quettan is a Haitian American. Saurel has helped entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, and owners of small to medium-sized businesses enhance their emotional intelligence, master effective communication, and build high-performing teams.
Wilson Heaton is an American who got into an accident while under the influence of alcohol and was incarcerated. It was during those years that Wilson learned the capacity of the mind, the power of love, and how to live in gratitude.
Pastor Joe Persaud is a Guyanese living in New York for decades. He is the Founder of Hope is Rising Global and the CEO of Insurance Co. in NYC. Pastor Persaud is the senior pastor at Liberty Bible Church and travels around the world, providing hope for many people
Romario Hastings is a proud Indigenous Guyanese young man who is a very active
Toshao in his village and also an Indigenous Relations Consultant
Peter Ivey is a Social Entrepreneur, Chef, Writer & Food Security Advocate
Peter Ivey is a dynamic social entrepreneur, chef, writer, and food security advocate who merges food, culture, and community empowerment. He has transformed Jamaican cuisine into cultural storytelling. His innovative approaches have gained recognition from platforms like Forbes.
Shaun Rampersaud CEO, of Ramps Logistics, is a huge advocate for the advancement of the Caribbean Region's economy, evident under his leadership at Ramps Logistics focused on research and development, process efficiency and digitisation.
Wasim Khan is the founder and Executive Director of The Imperial House (TIH), a pioneering non-profit social enterprise in Guyana dedicated to gender equality, youth, and community development.
Eldon Marks is a serial tech entrepreneur from Guyana. He founded V75 Inc. and built it to become Guyana's first AI company, building AI solutions for global clients since 2018. Recently, he co-founded TrueSelph Inc., an AI product company based in the US.
We will also highlight dynamic women on the panel who are raising sons. They will share their advice and insights on this journey.
Ilaine Inês Henz Dias is a dynamic Brazilian Entrepreneur and President of the Brazil-Guyana Chamber of Commerce. Her mission is to impact people's lives through her work, Whether as a Public Manager developing policies that bring services and benefits to the population or, simultaneously, as a Business Manager creating jobs, income, and development.
Marisca Fiedtkou is the Stakeholder Relations Director of Ramps Logistics. She is a very determined and focused young lady who is making her mark in the Oil and gas sector.
Nicole Dyer-Griffith is an executive marketing consultant and an International business etiquette and protocol specialist whose passion for creative entrepreneurship, proactive philanthropy, and social transformation is mobilized through her chairmanship of the O2N Foundation and the G III Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago.
Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin is a renowned academic, researcher, and educational leader. She is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the first woman to hold that post in the University’s 59-year history. This phenomenal leader is passionate about adding value to others’ lives, and she does this effortlessly.
By acknowledging men's contributions and challenges, we can work towards a more equitable society where both men and women have equal opportunities and rights. These events celebrate positive male role models and encourage healthy masculinity. They remind men of the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health. Men often face significant societal pressures that can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being. These pressures can include the expectation to be stoic, independent, and emotionally reserved, which can make it difficult for them to express their feelings or seek help when needed.
Young men and boys need to have positive role models who can inspire them and show them alternative paths to success. These events can help boys develop healthy concepts of masculinity, emphasising qualities like kindness, empathy, and respect.
Positive events can foster a sense of community and belonging among boys, reducing feelings of isolation or alienation. These events encourage boys to look for opportunities amidst daily challenges, to build their confidence, and not to be afraid of failure. After all, failure is feedback, feedback is knowledge, and knowledge is power.
Societal pressures can contribute to a range of mental health issues in men, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide. It's important to recognize and address these societal pressures to promote men's well-being and create a more supportive environment for all. These events will be moderated by Richard Young, Caribbean Fashion Impresario and Regional Creative Strategist.
A big thank you to our esteemed panellists, Richard Young Inc., Theatre Guild, Impressions, Germans Restaurant, Mings Products and Services, Tower Suites, Spotlight Production, OMG DMagazine,Sonia Noel Inc, Nandrea's Creation, Ramps Logistics, EXVIUZ Security Services Inc, Rooftop Media Caribbean Broadcasting Network, Watch Radio NYC, St Martin News.
