Mentally ill persons roaming streets could be shameful for VI
The plea was made last evening, April 2, 2012 during NDP Radio talk show aired on a local radio station with the caller emphasising that the issue is getting “worse and worse”.
“Mentally ill people are now robbing people,” the caller claimed, and recounted a scary scenario to the panellists where visitors were allegedly terrorised by a mentally ill person.
A few days ago, he stated that a mentally ill person was allegedly attacking tourists on the street, and added that the “police would probably have the report...it is really getting out of hand.”
“Government after Government have given this thing a lot of lip service...but something needs to be done about it. Laudamussy if you are going to treat them, when they are properly treated let them back on the street with clean clothes; don’t let it be an embarrassment to the family or country. Please!” the caller charged.
To this end, Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith admitted it is a major concern for his Government and he is aware that his colleague, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie Skelton is “very very concerned about that particular issue.”
“He is putting all his energies and thoughts into finding a solution to that, as well as, the health challenges that are facing us as a country,” Hon. Smith disclosed.
On December 8, 2011, Governor Boyd McCleary from his Speech from the Throne had announced Government’s plans to improve the standard and delivery of mental health services throughout the Territory.
“I am pleased to report that a thorough review of the Mental Health System was recently conducted in light of modern advances in the field of psychiatry, and relevant international human rights commitments and obligations, with assistance from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
"During this session Madam Speaker, a new Mental Health Act will be introduced to ensure improved access to care, the protection of human rights, the promotion of mental health, and the prevention of mental disorders. It will provide the legal framework to foster a positive approach to mental health, and discourage all forms of stigma and discrimination against individuals and their families who are afflicted and/or affected,” he had stated.
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