Caribbean Disaster Capacity Building

The Bahamas Resilience Center's Disaster Capacity Building Project is committed to strengthening psychological resilience in response to climate challenges. Through targeted training, awareness programs, and collaborative efforts, we provide essential mental health support to communities facing disaster-related stress. This initiative prioritizes reducing stigma, enhancing mental health services, and linking climate challenges with overall well-being.

Disaster Capacity Building: Mental Health Awareness at Jack Hayward Senior High

On February 21, 2025, Dr. Saunders-McBride and Jennifer Barnabie engaged with the ancillary staff at Jack Hayward Senior High. This session provided valuable insights into mental well-being and introduced opportunities for staff to participate in programs at the Grand Bahama Resilience Center (GBRC). By fostering awareness and support, the initiative aimed to enhance resilience among school personnel, enabling them to manage stress and support students effectively.

Corporate Engagement & Workplace Well-Being

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) – February 2025
Dr. McBride delivered an impactful session on Emotional Well-Being & Self-Care at RBC, highlighting practical strategies for maintaining mental wellness in professional environments. This initiative reinforced the importance of prioritizing self-care and emotional resilience in corporate settings.

Grand Bahama Power – March 2025
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, GB Power hosted Dr. McBride for a session on "Accelerating Growth in Relationships." This discussion focused on fostering healthy personal and professional relationships, emphasizing self-care and emotional intelligence. These corporate engagements underscored the crucial role of mental wellness in workplace productivity and overall life balance.

Problem Management Plus (PM+) Program

The Bahamas Resilience Center continues to expand its proactive mental wellness approach through an ongoing partnership with The New School for Social Research in New York City. This collaboration supports the implementation of the Problem Management Plus (PM+) Program, a five-session initiative developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

PM+ equips individuals and communities with evidence-based strategies to manage stress, address challenges, engage in problem-solving, and build stronger social connections. This program reinforces GBRC’s mission to provide accessible mental health resources for those navigating personal and environmental hardships.

Global Representation at the Forward Global Conference

From March 5-9, 2025, Dr. Saunders-McBride represented the Caribbean at the Forward Global Conference in Los Angeles, presenting on "Global Resilience from a Mental Health Perspective." This platform provided an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on disaster preparedness, mental health resilience, and community wellness. GBRC’s participation, supported by Myriad USA, demonstrated the growing influence of Caribbean-led initiatives in the global resilience movement.

Conclusion

Through strategic collaborations, corporate engagements, and evidence-based mental health programs, the Grand Bahama Resilience Center continues to lead efforts in strengthening community resilience. By prioritizing psychological well-being in disaster preparedness, workplace environments, and global discussions, GBRC remains committed to fostering a healthier and more resilient Bahamas.