It was a call to action by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to remove the stigma of mental illness throughout the country.
Towards this end, the ministry held a ‘Mental Health Act In Action’ symposium where its partners and other stakeholders assembled at the Atlantis Ballroom on Paradise Island on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Participants represented the ministry, PAHO, the Public Hospitals Authority, Bahamas Psychological Association, and other agencies that made presentations and held discussions on provisions under the Mental Health Act, 2022, which repealed and replaced the outdated 1969 Act.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville said, “Stigma remains a major barrier to mental health support, and we must cultivate a culture of respect, teaching early recognition of mental health challenges and encouraging help-seeking without judgment.”
In view of the symposium’s theme, ‘Mental Health Act in Action,’ Dr. Darville said, “I am excited to celebrate the progress we are making in mental health care and pleased to report that we are moving full steam ahead with this important agenda but must concede that there is still a lot of work to do.”
He confirmed that his ministry continues to collaborate with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the five uniformed branches: The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF), Bahamas Customs, Bahamas Immigration, and the Bahamas Department of Corrections to train officers in crisis intervention and the ministry’s mental health protocols.
“This ensures that individuals displaying signs of mental illness are approached with care, dignity, and appropriate intervention is executed when necessary,” he said.
Dr. Darville noted that over the last 10 years there has been an increase in the incidence of patients suffering from signs and symptoms of mental illness across the country, sparking important conversations about the Mental Health Act and its effectiveness.
“While I understand these concerns, I believe a balanced approach in providing mental health services is necessary to ensure public safety while upholding the rights and dignity of patients by way of the new mental health tribunal and the mental healthcare services board,” he said.
In this vein, workshops will be held with clinicians, psychiatrics and primary healthcare professionals about the inner workings of the new Mental Health Act.
“But let us take a moment to celebrate how far we have already come. Every initiative, every conversation, and every small step forward represents a victory in the journey for my ministry making mental health a true public health priority,” said Dr Darville.
He added, “As many of you are aware the topic of Mental Health is near and dear to me.
“As an advocate for good health, I cannot promote good physical health without ensuring that mental health and mental well-being are also promoted as priorities in my ministry.”
Dr. Darville encouraged all to trust the process and remain committed to the vision.
“Let us build a culture that is a sanctuary of mental and emotional well-being and remember that in protecting the mental health of our people, we are, in truth, safeguarding the future of our nation,” he said.
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