Health Minister Claret Connor (sixth from left) with representatives of the St. Maarten Trust Fund and other partners who attended the meeting.
PHILIPSBURG--Health Minister Claret Connor discussed the mental health project with representatives of the St. Maarten Trust Fund and other Kingdom partners ahead of Steering Committee meetings scheduled for St. Maarten next week.
The meeting, held recently, brought together Connor and staff from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA and the minister’s Cabinet; Frans Weekers, representing the Trust Fund Steering Committee and other Kingdom partners; and Ronald Halman, St. Maarten’s representative to the St. Maarten Trust Fund.
The discussions focused on the project’s development, key priorities and its role in strengthening mental health services on the island.
The project forms part of St. Maarten’s efforts to improve mental health care through stronger service delivery, increased institutional capacity and the development of appropriate infrastructure.
Connor said a coordinated approach was needed to ensure that residents continued to receive the care and support they required.
“Mental health is an essential part of public health, and strengthening our mental health care system requires sustained commitment and collaboration,” Connor stated.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining institutional and operational reforms resulting from the project and ensuring that residents have continued, uninterrupted access to services that respect their dignity and support their well-being.
The minister acknowledged the continued partnership with the Trust Fund and the other stakeholders involved in advancing the project.
VSA said it remained committed to working with its partners to support implementation and ensure that the investments lead to lasting improvements in mental health care for the people of St. Maarten.
