by Linda Straker
- Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital had 190 admittances in 2024 compared to 411 admittances in 2023
- Details of new approach adopted by institution for outpatients and families, not shared
- Ministry of Mental Health retreat held at National Stadium
Fourteen months after it was established and 7 days before the presentation of the 2025 Budget or Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure is presented for debate and approval in the Lower House of Parliament, the Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs is engaged in a strategic planning retreat aimed at formulating its operational work plan for 2025.
Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall is scheduled to present the 2025 budget on 7 March.
“The ministry is responsible for the standardising and implementation of mental health services and standards across Grenada,” according to a post on the ministry’s Facebook page informing the public about the retreat, which was held at the National Stadium. The objective of the Mental Health Department is to provide comprehensive mental health services that meet the population’s needs.
Speaking at the retreat opening, Delma Thomas, Minister for Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, emphasised the need for staff to uphold a strong commitment to their roles. She also highlighted the ministry’s focus on addressing human resource challenges that may hinder its effectiveness.
Director of Mental Health Josh Hector spoke on the essential role the ministry fulfills in meeting the mental health needs of the Grenadian populace and motivated the team to acknowledge the significance of their contributions.
“The session continues throughout the day, facilitating the refinement of strategies and objectives critical to the ministry’s mission and vision,” said the Facebook post. “The key priorities for the Mental Health Department for 2025 will be improving access to comprehensive mental health services for citizens; providing staff training; improving the legislative and policy framework governing the mental health system and enhancing the mental health literacy of the population.”
Speaking on the adjournment of a special sitting of Parliament on 11 February, Minister Thomas told the House that Grenada recorded a significant reduction in the number of admittances at the Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital — the lone mental health institution — in 2024 (190), when compared to 2023 (411). She said that is because of the new approach adopted by the institution for outpatients and their families, but did not share what the new approach entails.
