News

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy, Hon. Daniel Cummings, in a visit to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026, called for urgent restorative works. The Minister of Health, at the time, was accompanied by senior health officials and a team from BRAGSA.

The officials assessed the challenges facing the institution and identified urgent restoration and rehabilitation work needed to improve conditions at the facility. During the visit, Minister Cummings requested BRAGSA to urgently address the restoration works required to ensure a safer, more secure, and improved environment for both staff and patients.

Minister Cummings asked Chief Medical Officer, Simone Keizer-Beache, who was present, to evaluate the immediate and long-term infrastructure and operational needs of the institution, including the working conditions faced by staff.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre staff for their dedication, professionalism, and continued hard work despite existing challenges. He thanked the staff for welcoming the delegation and providing insight into the daily operations of the institution and the urgent restoration works required.

Minister Cummings emphasised the importance of increasing public awareness surrounding mental health, stating that mental illness should be recognised and treated as a health condition and not stigmatised or overlooked. He stressed that persons living with mental illness require care, support, and understanding from their families, friends, and the wider society. The Minister noted that public education and awareness on mental health remain important priorities for the Ministry of Health.

Chief Medical Officer Simone Keizer-Beache joined Minister Cummings in commending the staff for the outstanding work being carried out at the institution despite the challenges they continue to face.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information (API)