The mental health crisis in the Caribbean has escalated to alarming levels, with young people bearing the brunt of rising anxiety, depression, and stress. This stark reality was underscored by Chief Medical Officer, the Most Honorable Dr. Kenneth George, as he addressed the media launch of the 69th CARPHA Annual Health Research Conference.

With this year’s theme—”Mental Health: The Hidden Pandemic”—highlighting the growing concern over mental well-being in the region, Dr. George revealed a startling statistic: Barbados has experienced a 100 percent increase in individuals seeking psychological and mental health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Across the region, there have been notable rises in persons experiencing mental health conditions, especially among young people, with many individuals experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress,” he said. “In Barbados, there has been a 100 per cent increase in the number of individuals seeking psychological and mental health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge is reflective of a broader regional trend where the impact of the pandemic has led to significant rises in mental health conditions.”

Though steps have been taken to address the crisis, Dr. George acknowledged that the work is far from over. The lingering effects of the pandemic continue to weigh heavily on the population, making it crucial to expand and promote mental health services across the region.

One key focus is youth mental health, an area where Barbados is making strategic moves. Dr. George shared that the country is in the process of developing an adolescence policy, with technical support from PAHO. However, reaching young people requires a different approach.

“We are developing an adolescence policy for Barbados. PAHO has been strategic in giving us the technical support, I think the document is fairly well-advanced. The challenge with young people is that from an adolescence perspective we need to be strategic in how we reach them. We are not going to reach them through the polyclinics or the older methods [in] how we deliver healthcare. We have to meet them where they are, and understand their communities to deliver appropriate healthcare,” he explained.

By Deanzer Roberts

Barbados, like many Caribbean nations, is experiencing an epidemiological transition, with shifting dietary patterns. While undernourishment has declined, obesity remains a significant concern, with approximately 66% of adults being overweight or obese. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers, account for over 80% of all deaths in the country.

Food availability data reveal excessive consumption of protein, fat, and sugar, while the intake of fruits and vegetables remains inadequate—over 90% of the population fails to meet the minimum recommended levels. Simply put, Barbados is facing a chronic NCD epidemic.

To address this, the government has implemented a National Food and Nutrition Policy, supporting Baby-Friendly Hospital certification at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a national school nutrition policy, and taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, and tobacco to reduce consumption of unhealthy products. Prime Minister Mia Mottley co-chaired a report entitled Healthy Taxes: A Compelling Policy for the Crisis of Today with Michael Bloomberg and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. This underscores the recognition of taxation as a deterrent while also raising revenue to offset rising health expenditures due to unhealthy lifestyles.

However, the government acknowledges that taxation alone is not enough. A strong public education campaign is needed to change behaviors. To this end, $1 million per year will be allocated for public education over the next two years, focusing on dietary changes and physical activity. Starting June 1, 2025, an excise tax of 20% will be placed on high-salt snacks, including Pringles, salted nuts, corn curls, salted popcorn, tortilla chips, salted pretzels, and salt crackers among others.

The government has also appealed to hotels, restaurants, and cook shops to remove salt shakers from tables and counters, encouraging people to taste their food before adding salt. While traditional dishes like salted pigtails and saltfish remain popular, citizens are urged to prepare them with reduced salt content.

This comprehensive approach—combining policy, taxation, education, and behavioral change—aims to curb the prevalence of NCDs, improve national health, and promote longer, healthier lives for all Barbadians.

Friends and families of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the general public are invited to participate in activities to mark the Month of the Disabled, celebrated in March, under the theme One Community: United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future. 

The month of activities is coordinated by the National Disabilities Unit (NDU) and the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD), in collaboration with several stakeholders.  A key feature throughout the month will be Daily Devotions and Co-op Tips on CBC TV. 

With the official start on Sunday, March 2, there will be a multi-faith church service at the Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre, Jackmans, St. Michael, from 4:00 p.m. 

On Saturday, March 8, the Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold its first variety sale at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Later, in the evening the NDU’s grounds at Maxwelton, Collymore Rock, St. Michael, will be the venue for the first Movie Night of the year.  Show time will be from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. with featured movies entitled “Jungle Cruise” and “Inside Out 2”. 

World Glaucoma Week, from Sunday, March 9, to Saturday, March 15, will allow for Barbadians to get tested at various locations. 

On Wednesday, March 12, the NDU, in collaboration with Carlisle Laboratories, will host a health fair on its grounds at Collymore Rock, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

Patrons will be given the opportunity to have blood sugar and blood pressure checks, and introduced to products offered by Carlisle Laboratories. They will also be  encouraged to participate in informative sessions on non-communicable diseases and other chronic medical ailments. 

Thursday, March 13, will be the date when the Barbados Council for the Disabled hosts a virtual workshop on the topic Electoral Practices Relating to PWDs.  

The following day, Friday, March 14, the Multiple Sclerosis Society will host its second variety sale, this time at Sheraton Mall, Sargeant’s Village, Christ Church, from 10:00 a.m. until noon. 

On Tuesday, March 18, the National Committee Monitoring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will host a ceremony on the NDU grounds, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, where Barbados’ official report to the United Nations will be handed over to the Ministry of People Empowerment, for onward submission to the United Nations.  

Wednesday, March 19, has been dubbed NDU Aquatic Day. This will see PWDs assembling at Browne’s Beach, Bay Street, St. Michael, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to enjoy the sea and fun activities planned by the Unit. 

The Down Syndrome Association will once again stage its annual “Rock Your Socks”, in commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. All Barbadians are encouraged to purchase socks and wear them on that day; take photographs, and display them on the various social media platforms. 

A second movie night will be held on Saturday, March 22, at the NDU grounds, from 6:00 p.m. “Moana 2” and “Despicable Me 4” will be shown. 

Sunday, March 23, will see 96 persons graduating from the NDU’s Sign Language and Flower Project programmes, conducted last year.  The graduation ceremony will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  

On Wednesday, March 26, the BCD will present My Inclusive School at Harambee House, The Garrison, St. Michael from 10:00 a.m. My Inclusive School awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and commend schools demonstrating exceptional dedication to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for students with disabilities. They are recognised for implementing innovative practices, accommodations, and initiatives aimed at tailoring education to meet the needs of every child. 

Later in the day, at 7:00 p.m., the NDU will host a public lecture at the Frank Collymore Hall, where The Most Honorable Kerryann Ifill, FB will present “This is My Story”. The month of activities will conclude on Saturday, March 29, with the “Special Envoy’s Outing” at Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter.  (PR/GIS)