The Department of Behavioural Health Services (DBHS) hosted its World Mental Health Day 2025 Conference on October 10, bringing together government, healthcare, civil society, and community members under the theme “The Power of Community: Connecting for Mental Health.” The event showcased a full day of dialogue, inspiration, and reflection, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting mental well-being across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The conference opened with remarks from Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of DBHS, who shared key trends in mental health. She noted that while mental health often receives limited attention globally, progress is happening locally. Over the past year, DBHS conducted over 4,000 counselling sessions, responded to more than 250 crisis calls, delivered over 50 educational sessions, and spent 220 hours on community outreach. Dr. Malcolm emphasized that mental health support is like a woven fabric, strengthened through collaboration, and noted the need to have mental health resources expand to meet rising demands.
Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams encouraged attendees to remember that mental health is part of overall wealth. She highlighted stigma in its many forms and emphasized that it is okay to say you are not okay. She also encouraged everyone to take advantage of opportunities and resources to care of themselves while also checking in on friends and loved ones.
Minister of Health and Human Services Hon. Kyle R. Knowles reinforced the government’s commitment to mental health, stating, “Our responsibility is to ensure that support and resources for mental health are not just promises but tangible realities that reach every community member in need.” His remarks underscored leadership, action, and partnership as essential to fostering a resilient society.
The keynote address by Ms. Cynthia Joseph, Registered Nurse and HR Manager at Gilley’s Enterprises, titled “Leadership Promises vs. Lived Reality: Who Really Pays the Cost?”, resonated deeply with attendees. Many participants commented on how her timely and empowering message would guide them in their leadership roles. The conference also featured a moving spoken word performance by Ms. Nideka Misick, which brought personal experiences to life and reinforced the human side of mental health.
Healthcare presentations by Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services at Turks & Caicos Hospital, Dr. Kristi-Ann Sharp, Physician at Ministry of Health’s Primary Health Care, and Dr. Leston Payne, General Practitioner and Infectious Disease Specialist at Family Care Medical Services, highlighted the importance of a bio-psychosocial approach, shifting focus from purely physical interventions and demonstrating progress toward integrated, holistic care.
The panel discussion, “Whose Job Is It Anyway? Mental Health Across the System,” moderated by Mrs. Tonya Greaves, Psychologist at DBHS, was engaging and energetic. Panellists Mr. Teran Spence, Mrs. Stacey Jogie, Dr. Jadetra Ingraham, and Mrs. Laura Dowrich shared insights on real-world challenges and cross-sector collaboration.
Ms. Tiara McTaire, Mental Health Education Specialist and Chairperson of the DBHS Planning Committee, led an interactive session connecting participants over shared experiences. Using a card activity, attendees reflected on common mental health challenges, sparking lively conversation, laughter, and reflection. The session, alongside the social media initiative “flooding the feed” with positive mental health messages, captured the theme of connecting for mental health in TCI.
Dr. Coryse Penco closed the conference with “Re-Sensitizing Our Islands: Turning Shared Struggles into Shared Strength,” tying together the day’s discussions and leaving participants inspired to continue fostering resilience and community connections.
World Mental Health Day 2025 is a reminder that mental health is a shared responsibility. Through dialogue, creative expression, and collaboration, the conference strengthened connections between government, health providers, civil society, and the community.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services and DBHS reaffirm their commitment to building a mentally healthy community where residents, families, and organizations can thrive. Mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and events like these showcase the power of connection in creating a stronger, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.
A Year of Action and Progress: DBHS Initiatives 2025
Over the past year, DBHS strengthened mental health awareness, education, and community support across all islands, reflecting a commitment to practical education, outreach, and meaningful community connection. Key initiatives included:
The Bridge Series – Learning and discussion sessions for professionals and community members:
Supporting Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing (2 sessions)
Brief Interventions: Guiding Change
Differentiating Normal Grief from Pathology
Building Inner Resilience
Guidance Counsellor Support Session
Prison-Based Programs – Structured programs focused on rehabilitation, resilience, and personal growth:
Life After Life: Reclaiming Purpose
Pathways to Accountability: A Guide for Positive Change
I Can Recover
Anger Management Program
Community Engagement and Youth Outreach – Reaching communities across all islands:
Morning Pause and Panel Discussions
Coffee and Conversations
International Day Against Drugs: Youth Expo
Participation in Youth Skills Fair and Career Days
Pockets of Hope: Suicide Prevention Awareness Activity
Shift Your Mind: Reframing Mental Health in the TCI (anti-stigma program launch)
Enhancing Accessibility: A booking link for individual requests and referrals improved timely access to programs and services across the islands.
