In observance of International Men's Day 2023
WILLEMSTAD - In light of the fact that all recorded cases of suicide in Curaçao this year have involved males, it became imperative to empower our police force with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage such circumstances.
The police are the first responders in these tragic cases, making it crucial for them to be well-equipped.
To mark International Men’s Day, CIBC FirstCaribbean and Fundashon E Homber organized a workshop aimed at aiding the police force in dealing with these challenging situations and fostering mutual assistance during critical moments.
During the insightful workshop led by Mr. Elton Villareal, members of the police force engaged in discussions on how to approach and assist individuals who are on the brink of committing suicide.
The workshop was particularly relevant considering the theme for International Men's Day 2023, which emphasizes 'Zero Male Suicide' and underscores the importance of supporting men and boys in managing their mental health.
Chief of Police Mr. Raymond Ellis presented a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the police when dealing with such situations, highlighting the need for community-wide attention to this issue. Mr. Ronny Cornelis, representing Fundashon E Homber, stressed the importance of arming men with the skills to navigate the difficult realities they may encounter.
Mrs. Lysaira Ortela, Marketing Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean, drew attention to the fact that the rise in male suicide is not unique to our community and requires a thoughtful and effective approach. The workshop specifically aimed to equip the police as the primary responders in such situations.
Mr. Elton Villareal, the workshop facilitator, also addressed how police officers should handle situations where their colleagues are facing similar challenges. Participants actively engaged in the workshop, sharing real-life experiences and contributing to the dialogue and interaction.
CIBC FirstCaribbean expresses gratitude to Fundashon E Homber, the Korps Politie Curaçao, and Mr. Elton Villareal for their valuable contributions to this crucial program. Hopefully this initiative will significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of male and boy suicides in our community.