TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – The British Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive review of its mental health legislation and policy framework as part of efforts to modernize the territory’s mental healthcare system through a new Mental Health Act and updated Mental Health Policy.
Vincent WheatleyThe review, being led by the Ministry of Health and Social Development with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is expected to produce a rights-based legal and policy framework that reflects international best practices while addressing the unique needs of the Virgin Islands.
The ministry said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that people living with mental health conditions have access to compassionate, person-centred care within a system that protects their rights, preserves their dignity and promotes recovery.
Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley said the review marks an important milestone in strengthening mental health services across the territory.
“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 said the government is committed to building a mental health system that responds to the territory’s changing needs while remaining inclusive and accessible.
“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,” he added.
The technical review is being coordinated by PAHO/WHO Country Programme Specialist Katrina Smith, together with 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.
The consultation process includes representatives from government ministries and departments, the BVI Health Services Authority, healthcare professionals, the Attorney General’s Chambers, among others.
Officials said the legislative review is the first phase of a broader programme that will lead to 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 throughout the territory.
The initiative builds on previous efforts to improve mental healthcare in the British Virgin Islands. In 2024, Director of Mental Health Services Dr. Virginia Rubaine announced plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the territory’s mental health needs, while the Ministry of Health continued its anti-stigma Mindful Campaign, which later received international recognition.
