Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, marked International Men’s Day 2025 by urging the community to recognize the pressures men face and to support their mental and emotional well-being.
Brug said men often carry heavy expectations as fathers, partners, leaders, and providers—yet many struggle quietly. He stressed that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Throughout 2025, the Ministry of VSA rolled out several initiatives aimed at improving men’s health, including targeted mental-health awareness campaigns, programs promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive care, support for responsible fatherhood, and safer spaces for men to discuss stress, grief, and emotional challenges. Community-based networks for men and young fathers have also been strengthened.
Brug thanked the men of Sint Maarten for their contributions, saying they play an irreplaceable role in building a stronger, more compassionate island. He encouraged residents to use International Men’s Day as a moment to check in on the men in their lives and continue reducing stigma around men’s mental health.
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