Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste says the government is moving to strengthen mental health services in Saint Lucia through the development of a comprehensive national mental health policy.
Speaking during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Jn Baptiste acknowledged the growing importance of mental wellness both locally and regionally, while confirming that officials within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition are currently finalizing the proposed policy framework.
“I know that the director of mental health and a team of individuals right across the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, that I know that they are working on fine-tuning the policy for mental wellness, which will involve and include all of the issues that you have raised,” the minister stated.
Jn Baptiste noted that mental health concerns have become increasingly visible across Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, prompting renewed attention from health authorities and policymakers.
“I agree with you that increasingly mental health is becoming very topical, not only because we are seeing a number of situations right here in Saint Lucia, across the Caribbean, but more and more mental health or mental wellness is recognized as a key factor, which is a factor which is very important in health and well-being,” he said.
According to the minister, the proposed policy is intended to take a broad and inclusive approach to mental wellness, with engagement expected from multiple sectors of society.
“This mental health policy is being developed, and we are going to take it to cabinet,” Jn Baptiste explained.
“There will be discussions across Saint Lucia and in the various sectors and also in the society at every level, and hopefully we can discuss with the people of Saint Lucia what the government intends to implement,” he added.
The minister did not provide a timeline for the completion or implementation of the policy but indicated that public consultation would form part of the process before the final framework is adopted.