NASSAU, Bahamas (9 Dec. 2022) – Senator, the Hon. Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant, Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation called the landmark Mental Health Bill 2022 a step in the right direction in establishing comprehensive healthcare during his contribution in the Upper House on Thursday 8 December.

“The Davis Administration is now enacting the Mental Health Bill to ensure that those suffering from any form of mental instability are taken care of without fear of losing their autonomy or dignity and that their re-integration into society is as seamless as possible,” said Sen. Rolle.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), mental health illness, a silent epidemic that has severely impacted The Americas for some time, saw increased cases during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulted in a mental health crisis.

“With this Bill, we intend to protect human rights, to replace the stigma and social exclusion of mental illness with education, and make available at all costs, resources to bring our objectives of inclusion and equality to fruition,” added Sen. Rolle.

The legislation provides for the establishment of a Mental Health Services Board and a Mental Health Review Tribunal. It also makes provision for community treatment options and the facilitation of voluntary admission to mental health facilities. Further, the Bill seeks to:
• preserve the human rights of those diagnosed with mental illnesses, ensuring they are aware of their rights and are protected from discrimination;
• ensure that appropriate levels of mental health care and treatment options are available in our communities;
• empower persons with mental illness to make decisions about their care and treatment, while providing safeguards to protect them and ensure they are treated fairly and humanely;
• and establish standards for mental health services, ensuring that there are benchmarks related to quality, safety and appropriateness of treatments and facilities.

The Mental Health Bill 2022 was passed in the Senate on Thursday.