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.