Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor Richinel Brug met with SZV
management on Monday December 2nd. During a fruitful discussion between the Minister,
his support staG, and the management of SZV, the Minister expressed his concerns with the
current state of Mental Health in particular: youth mental health. The Minister focused
primarily on the long waiting lists to be able to reach the Mental Health Foundation and other
private psychologists.
“Mental health, particularly among our youth, is a serious issue. As a country we have a
mental health crisis, and it is time we acknowledge this. Our country’s mental health
services are plagued by long waiting lists and limited accessibility, impeding timely
intervention and support.”
Minister Brug strongly urged SZV to consider (re)allocating 2025 funds towards mental health
projects.
The Minister’s proposal to consider reallocating funds towards mental health projects is a
testament to a broader recognition of mental health as a crucial component of overall health
and well-being of our people.
“Moving forward, the focus has to be on ways to lower the threshold to access mental health
services, ensuring that more individuals receive the necessary care and support in a
promptly manner.”
Another top priority of the Minister is preventative health care. Minister Brug was elated to
hear that management of SZV also shares his concerns regarding the current state of health
care on Sint Maarten and the possible positive eGect of preventative health care once
implemented properly:“The alignment on prevention indicates a promising collaboration
towards fostering a healthier Sint Maarten.”
Parties also discussed the current financial state of aGairs of SZV and possible ways
Government and the Ministry of VSA can assist. Parties agreed to a follow up meeting in
which parties will discuss the General Health Insurance (GHI), outdated health legislations
hampering a more cost eGicient and eGective functioning of SZV.
“By aligning legislative frameworks with current health needs and financial realities, these
discussions will lay the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive health care
infrastructure that the people will actually feel.”
Minister Brug looks forward to a productive working collaboration with management and
board of SZV.