The Virgin Islands Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Unit of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has received notable regional recognition for its commendable work within the community. Photo: Facebook

In an interview, Dr. Virginia Rubaine, Director of Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, explained that ‘’Every year, they have a scientific conference where they invite experts from the region to present what they're doing in their Caribbean country. So they work in tandem with the West Indian Medical Journal.’’ Photo: Facebook

The team will present a research paper focusing on youth mental health at the upcoming Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Health Research Conference. 

Titled "Increased Emotional Resilience and Mental Well-being in Virgin Islands (UK) Youths through Early Therapeutic Intervention," the paper has been accepted for oral presentation at the 70th staging of the conference, which CARPHA will host in April 2026.

Research will be featured in the West Indian Medical Journal 

In an interview, Dr. Virginia Rubaine, Director of Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, explained that "Every year, they have a scientific conference where they invite experts from the region to present what they're doing in their Caribbean country. So they work in tandem with the West Indian Medical Journal."

The research underscores the impact of a school-based therapeutic intervention designed to support students aged 7 to 17 across the Virgin Islands. This initiative was implemented by the Mental Health team in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, following concerns about rising behavioral and emotional challenges among students. 

The program engaged 116 students from schools on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke through structured therapeutic group sessions conducted over several months. The intervention aimed to strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal communication.

First Virgin Islander research to be published 

Dr Rubaine expressed pride in being the first native-born Virgin Islander to publish research specifically focused on the Virgin Islands. ''It's a high honour'' She stated.

The findings from the study revealed promising improvements in emotional resilience and reductions in anxiety symptoms among many participating students, along with noticeable enhancements in classroom behavior, emotional expression, and overall well-being.

Importance of this achievement

Dr. Rubaine emphasised the significance of this achievement, noting, "it's an opportunity for us to collaborate with other Caribbean countries and territories, and really to signal to other Caribbean countries and territories."

The CARPHA Health Research Conference is the premier scientific gathering in the Caribbean for public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Selected abstracts from the conference will be published in a supplement of the West Indian Medical Journal, highlighting the academic importance of this work.