Grand Cayman, Saturday, 11 November, 2023: On Sunday,  19 November, the Family Resource Centre (FRC) will be joining countries around the world to mark the 12^th Annual International Men’s Day (IMD) celebrations in the Cayman Islands.

International Men’s Day (IMD) commemorates the positive contributions men make to the world, their families and communities, while highlighting men’s and boy’s well-being.

As part of the IMD initiative, the FRC will be joining the global dialogue about manhood, masculinity and the social issues that men and boys face. This year’s theme “You are Not Alone: Zero Male Suicide”. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO,2019) suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. More than twice as many males die due to suicide compared with females. 

“Our aim every year when celebrating IMD is to celebrate men and boys while still recognising the multiple barriers which affect them specifically,” explains FRC’s Clinical Supervisor, Charmaine Miller. “Last year, we introduced the “State of Men and Boys Forum” as another initiative and outlet for meaningful interactions and conversations about those barriers.  We are happy to not only be able to host the 2^nd Annual State of Men and Boys Forum this year, but to also be able to address such an important issue and raise awareness of risk factors associated with male suicide,” she adds. 

The UK Office for National Statistics has identified that 74% of all suicides in the UK involve men.  The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) notes that the highest suicide rates within the Americas were observed in the non-Hispanic Caribbean and North America. 

Locally, the National Drug Council’s Cayman Islands Student Drug Use Survey (CISDUS) results for 2020 indicate that while a higher percentage of female responds (Years 9-12) were more likely to consider suicide (17.9% vs. 16.1% males), and attempt suicide (14.4% vs. 2.7% males), more male respondents reported injury following a suicide attempt than female respondents (5.9% vs. 2.9%).  

“Let me be clear: suicide prevention is a public health issue,” states Hon. Sabrina Turner, Minister for Health & Wellness.  “The human cost of suicide and suicidal behaviours are, unfortunately, very well known within our community as it impacts not only the individuals and families, but the nation as a whole.  Given the vulnerability that our men and our boys face in regards to this- and yes, it is a vulnerability- it is important to ensure that we take every opportunity to bring awareness, educate, and open doors not only for discussions but also connect our people to services that are on offer, which is what the FRC is with this IMD campaign and their community events,” Minister Turner adds. 

This year’s IMD activities being hosted by the FRC include the following: 

• Personal Financial Management Workshop, in partnership with Inspire Cayman-Wednesdays, starting 8 November:  a series of financial literacy workshops offered across districts targeted to men (but open to all) interested in learning practical tools to manage their finances during challenging economic times, getting out debt, learning how to budget and how to build wealth.  Every Wednesday in a different district.  Free and open to all. Registration required. 

• Our Voice, Our Choice, Empower Him Workshop– 10 November: in partnership with the Clifton Hunter High School, a school-based forum that provides practical opportunities for boys and young men to engage and discuss issues impacting them today that include mental health, peer pressure and risky behaviours and bullying.

• Men & Boys Basketball Tournament– 12 November: the 4th annual 3×3 Basketball Tournament where men and boys play on the same team and participate in a fun and healthy interaction.

• IMD Dress for a Cause– 17 November, an opportunity for schools, offices, organisations and health providers to raise awareness and funds for programmes and services supporting young boys and men.  T-shirts available for sale.   

• IMD Church Service– 19 November, an opportunity to worship and join in the celebration of International Men’s Day.

• Managing Suicide Risk Factors Webinar– 21 November, a virtual space to discuss risk factors contributing to male suicidality with emphasis on the Caribbean region.

• 2nd Annual IMD State of Men & Boys Forum– 27 November:  the second annual forum provides an opportunity for engagement of men across various fields, promoting male-to-male candid discussions on numerous topics that include suicide and mental health, relationships and gender. The overall objective is to inspire participants to become agents of change by increasing their understanding on the subject areas and create opportunities for dialogue to address risk factors and explore solutions to address the various issues men face today. The event is also a venue where information on services provided by the Department of Counselling Services (DCS) is shared, helping to facilitate access to mental health support and other such services. 

For more information on IMD, to purchase shirts, or to register for any of the events, please contact the FRC directly on 949-0006 or [email protected].