Children are growing up in a different world- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
Hon Wheatley’s message came on the observance of World Mental Health Day 2025, yesterday, October 10, 2025, under the theme ‘Access to Services, Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies'.
The theme, he said, highlights the urgent need to ensure that children and adolescents have timely and equitable access to mental health care, especially in the wake of disasters, conflicts, or public health emergencies.
“Prioritising their mental well-being is essential not only for their personal development, but also for building resilient communities capable of thriving in the face of adversity.”
Children are growing up in a different world
Hon Wheatley said while Virgin Islanders have always taken pride in raising children within strong, caring communities, today they are growing up in a world “far different from the one we experienced”.
New pressures and challenges shape their mental and emotional well-being in ways that require adaptation to our approaches, strengthening the support system, and deepening understanding.
“In the region, depression and anxiety rank among the top five causes of years lived with disability in this age group, while suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. In fact, half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14.”
A lot of these challenges are made worse by economic uncertainty, the impact of social media, and the effects of natural disasters and global crises, while children are navigating a world that often demands resilience beyond their years.
“Locally, we have seen firsthand how catastrophic and historical events coupled with the daily pressures of family and academic life can affect our young people's sense of stability and confidence. Some have lost loved ones, others have faced disruptive schooling, and many continue to cope with invisible burdens that they did not always know how to express.”
Reaffirm support for the youth
Hon Wheatley encouraged society to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the mental health and emotional development of every child and adolescent in the Territory, as the Ministry of Health and Social Development continues prioritising mental health as a key pillar of sustainable development.
Mental health, however, he said, requires a whole-of-society approach.
“Families, schools, churches, and workplaces all play a vital role in creating an environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed…I encourage parents and guardians to listen closely to their children and to take notice of changes in mood or behaviour. Sometimes what may seem like defiance or withdrawal is really a call for help. I also urge our young people to look out for one another.”
Hon Wheatley added that mentally healthy children are more likely to succeed in school, build strong relationships, and grow into adults who contribute positively to society.
“By investing in their mental and emotional well-being, we are investing in the social and economic strength of the Virgin Islands…Let us build a culture that promotes understanding and compassion where no child feels alone and no young person is left without support. Together, we can create a Virgin Islands where every young person is valued, empowered, and given the tools to thrive.”
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4 Responses to “Children are growing up in a different world- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley ”
And the VI is led by a DICTATOR.
A different world indeed.
I am 76 years plus, and counting, God being the guarantee, and security of my life. You are probably approximately between 65 to 70 or there about. I think that the time is long overdue for you to stop speaking randomly about youths while doing little to help them achieve a reasonable income to help stand in these moderm times of economic uncertainties?
How could you when you, and your political colleagues don't care to invest wisely, and share fairly for their best interest?, how could you, Hon. Vencent Wheatley.