People young and old enjoyed kite-making, fishcakes and old-fashioned games at the Bermuda Cultural Experience on Thursday.

The event, sponsored by the Department of Health, took place at Victoria Park as part of Public Health Week.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “[The week] is an important part of the Government’s mission to promote healthy lifestyles.

“We wanted to combine the Good Friday holiday traditions of preparing fishcakes and kite flying with Public Health Week community activities.”

There was also a fishcake competition, where people from other countries put their unique twist on the Bermudian staple.

Chef Ryan, from Somers Supermart, won the contest.

Ms Wilson also released a statement for World Health Day, which was Friday. The statement emphasised the importance of access to healthcare, healthy lifestyles and mental health.

She said: “On this World Health Day, Bermuda joins WHO on a journey to achieve Health For All. This is an important issue, and the Bermuda Government remains committed to putting Bermuda on the road to equal access to healthcare for all.

“Led by the World Health Organisation, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is promoted and celebrated worldwide on April 7. It is a reminder of how vital it is to prioritise our wellbeing and attach a high value to self-care.

“As part of our Bermuda Health Strategy, the Ministry of Health strives to ensure everyone can access quality healthcare. One of the strategic principles in the strategy is promoting healthy living and preventative care. We want to empower the community to lead healthy lifestyles by enabling people to increase control over, and improve, their physical and mental health.

“The devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic stretched our healthcare system, and it was a reminder of how imperative it is to advocate for equitable access to healthcare. It highlighted some of our healthcare system’s strengths and weaknesses. It was an opportunity to pause and rethink our goals and priorities.

“The Ministry of Health’s vision of healthy people in healthy communities focuses on finding solutions to the health challenges the island is facing. This includes mental health because, as the WHO stated, ‘no health without mental health’.

“As we strive to ensure better health outcomes for our community, the Ministry of Health will support mental health services just as much as we support physical health services.”

She added: “As we celebrate World Health Day on Good Friday, I want to remind everyone to focus on improving our overall wellbeing. Exercise, choose healthy food, drink plenty of water, enjoy being outside in the sunshine and fresh air, and have a routine that promotes good mental health.”