Caribbean Disaster Capacity Building

This quarter, the Grand Bahama Resilience Center (GBRC) continued its work in strengthening mental health awareness, building resilience, and expanding psychosocial support across the community. In partnership with New School University’s Global Mental Health team, we advanced research on the Problem Management Plus (PM+) intervention while also training new volunteers to support ongoing programming.

In September, Dr. Felisha McBride facilitated a mental health training session at Hugh Campbell Primary School during the school’s Professional Development Day. The interactive session equipped teachers with practical tools to improve self-awareness, manage stress, and support students’ emotional well-being. Aligned with Mental Health Month’s theme, “Turning Awareness into Action,” participants were encouraged to take intentional steps toward prioritizing their own mental health while fostering supportive learning environments.

As part of World Suicide Prevention Week, GBRC hosted several awareness initiatives. On September 8, Dr. Saunders-McBride engaged students at Grand Bahama Academy in discussions on resilience, emotional self-regulation, and reducing stigma. Drawing from Scripture, she emphasized that experiencing deep emotions is natural and that faith and community can provide strength. On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, Dr. McBride joined Dr. Gray and Dr. Cooper from Rand Memorial Hospital for a panel discussion on depression and suicide prevention, promoting the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and highlighting the importance of hope, dialogue, and community support.

GBRC also continued to engage with workplaces and broader community initiatives. On September 24, Counselor Stacey Bonnett represented the Center at the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs Jump Start Symposium, emphasizing the importance of mental health in fostering resilient and productive workplaces. In early October, Dr. McBride facilitated two days of training with the staff of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and led a session for potential foster parents with the Ministry of Social Services on “The Heart of Fostering,” focusing on the emotional aspects of nurturing children in need.

The Center also supported youth leadership and wellness. On October 7, Eight Mile Rock High School held a Prefect Installation Ceremony under the theme “Leadership Empowering Change,” with Dr. Laing addressing students on character, encouragement, and commitment. On October 10, World Mental Health Day was celebrated at St. George’s High School with visits to the Shifting Minds Club, empowering students to engage openly in conversations about mental health.

GBRC continued to prioritize women’s health and community wellness. On October 20, Dr. Saunders-McBride participated in the Fertility Empowerment Summit, sharing strategies to create emotionally safer workplaces, churches, and community spaces. From November 10–12, GBRC partnered with Critical Incident Consulting and the We Will Go Foundation to provide Critical Incident Stress Training for first responders, equipping them with tools to manage stress and support their communities effectively. On November 13, Dr. McBride and Programme and Partnership Director Jennifer Barnabie co-facilitated a session at EY on the 4Ms—Menarche, Menstruation, Menopause, and Mental Health—highlighting the impact of these stages on women’s well-being.

The Center also engaged men and young children in resilience-building initiatives. On November 19, Dr. Laing presented at the Freeport Container Port International Men’s Day Symposium on men’s mental health, offering strategies to manage stress and promoting open dialogue. That same week, Stacey Bonnett and Jennifer Barnabie visited Grade 3 students at Maurice Moore Primary School to teach emotional awareness, self-kindness, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of mental health from an early age.

This quarter demonstrates GBRC’s ongoing commitment to raising mental health awareness, building resilience across all age groups, and equipping individuals, families, and communities with the tools to thrive emotionally, socially, and professionally. Through education, research, and hands-on training, we continue to expand access to psychosocial support, reduce stigma, and empower Grand Bahama and beyond to recover and flourish.

The Caribbean is no stranger to crisis, but our region is also marked by its incredible capacity to adapt, learn, and lead. Through this project, the  Bahama Resilience Center (BRC) has continued to support and strengthen mental health infrastructure across the Caribbean by raising awareness, expanding skills, and fostering partnerships. From public platforms to professional training, every effort this quarter moved us closer to a stronger, more mentally resilient Caribbean.

This quarter, Dr. Andy Laing represented the Center on platforms such as DOVE Radio and ZNS, addressing critical issues including male mental health and suicide prevention. By utilizing accessible media channels, we helped reduce stigma and brought much-needed visibility to topics that are often overlooked, particularly among Caribbean men.

Recognizing the trusted role of churches in Caribbean communities, we engaged faith-based groups in powerful conversations on mental wellness:

• April 11 – At Faith Church of the Nazarene, Dr. McBride spoke with the Marriage Ministry about the connection between strong families and disaster resilience.
  
  
• April 28 – At Invaders for Christ Church, Dr. McBride and Dr. Laing led a heartfelt panel discussion on grief and loss, providing tools for healing in times of personal and collective trauma

These sessions helped bridge spiritual care with emotional health, reinforcing mental wellness as a whole-community priority.

We conducted an interactive training for Careminders at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and the Ministry of Social Services Placement Division. Facilitated by Dr. Saunders-McBride, Lakiska Russell-Johnson, and Stacey Bonnett, the session explored neurodiversity, behavior strategies, and inclusive care. We also donated ASD visual tools to support caregivers’ daily routines, a practical investment in dignity and developmental wellness.

From June 9th to 13th, Dr. Saunders-McBride presented at the Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology, positioning GBRC as a thought leader in disaster mental health. Engaging with peers from across the region helped solidify best practices and spark collaboration, ensuring our services remain aligned with evolving needs.

On June 11th, GBRC staff attended a proposal writing and compliance workshop hosted by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC). Sessions focused on FATF Recommendation 8, the NGO Code of Conduct, and other accountability tools. This training enhanced our capacity to manage grants and establish partnerships for lasting impact.

This quarter marked the launch of the Caribbean Mental Health Alliance & Action Plan CMHAAP, our multi-nation initiative aimed at identifying gaps and opportunities in the Caribbean’s mental health systems. The landscape assessment is now underway and will inform future collaboration in the following areas:

• Promotion – Reducing stigma
  
  
• Prevention – School & workplace interventions
  
  
• Treatment – Expanding access
  
  
• Maintenance – Ongoing support
  
  
• Disaster Mental Health – Crisis readiness and response
  
  

CMHAAP represents our commitment to building stronger systems that work before, during, and after a crisis.

We conducted a 3-day WHO-endorsed training in Problem Management Plus (PM+), preparing community volunteers to support individuals facing common emotional and practical challenges. Participants left the training equipped and empowered, helping us build a local support network for early intervention and community-based recovery.

On April 15,  the Pregnant with Destiny Podcast, Dr. Saunders-McBride spoke on generational trauma, offering tools for families to break cycles and foster emotional safety.

On May 26, during Mental Health Awareness Month, she joined the Pilot Club for a webinar on work-life balance, where she urged attendees to “give the world the best of you, not what’s left of you.”

On June 25, Dr. Saunders-McBride was invited to speak within the “My Time to Thrive in 2025” private community, emphasizing that self-care and wellness are essential components of productivity and success. Her message  “you cannot pour from an empty cup” resonated deeply with listeners juggling multiple roles.

Each of these appearances served as a bridge between clinical knowledge and lived experience, helping communities connect with tools for healing and resilience.

This quarter has shown that mental health capacity is not just about services, it’s about voices, visibility, and vision. Whether training caregivers, leading public conversations, or building regional frameworks, our goal remains the same: a Caribbean that is not only disaster-ready but also mentally strong, starting with the Bahamas and extending beyond its borders. Thank you for your continued partnership as we push forward with boldness, wisdom, and heart.