Gov’t moves to modernise mental health legislation
The government has launched a comprehensive review of the territory’s mental health legislation and policy framework as it seeks to introduce a modern Mental Health Act and establish a new po…
inAll News/ By: BVI News on July 30, 2026 at 6:22 AM /WHEATLEYThe government has launched a comprehensive review of the territory’s mental health legislation and policy framework as it seeks to introduce a modern Mental Health Act and establish a new policy to guide mental healthcare services. The Ministry of Health and Social Development is leading the review with technical support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). The exercise is expected to produce a rights-based Mental Health Act and Mental Health Policy that aligns with international best practices while addressing the territory’s specific needs. According to the ministry, the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that people living with mental health conditions have access to compassionate, person-centred care within a legislative framework that protects their rights, safeguards their dignity and supports recovery. Health Minister Vincent Wheatley described the review as a key step in strengthening the territory’s mental health system. “Mental health is fundamental to the health and well-being of our people. This review represents an important milestone in ensuring that the Virgin Islands has a modern legislative and policy framework that protects the rights and dignity of persons living with mental health conditions while supporting accessible, high-quality and person-centred mental health services,” Wheatley said. He added that the government intends to develop a mental health system that responds to the territory’s evolving needs while maintaining accessible and inclusive services. “We value PAHO’s continued partnership and the expertise of the technical team supporting this work. Their recommendations will guide amendments to the Mental Health Act and the completion of a comprehensive Mental Health Policy that reflects the needs and priorities of the Virgin Islands,” Wheatley added. The technical mission is being coordinated by PAHO/WHO Country Programme Specialist Katrina Smith, alongside mental health law and policy experts Dr Soumitra Pathare, Dr Arjun Kapoor and Ms Ramya Pillutia of the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy in India. Consultations involve representatives from government ministries and departments, the BVI Health Services Authority, healthcare professionals, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, the education sector, social services, National Health Insurance, the Social Security Board, community and faith-based organisations, youth groups including YEP BVI, people with lived experience, caregivers and other civil society partners. The legislative review represents the first phase of a broader programme that will culminate in proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act, completion of the Virgin Islands Mental Health Policy and the development of a Mental Health Plan to guide implementation and strengthen the integration of mental health services across the territory. The review builds on previous efforts to improve mental healthcare in the Virgin Islands. In 2024, Mental Health Services Director Dr Virginia Rubaine announced plans to assess the territory’s mental health needs while the Ministry of Health continued its anti-stigma initiatives through the Mindful Campaign, which later received international recognition. Share the newsCopyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.