By Dr. Felisha Mcbride | Executive Director
This quarter, the Bahamas Resilience Center continued to advance its mission of strengthening psychological resilience across the Caribbean through training, community engagement, and trauma-informed mental health support. As climate-related challenges intensify, our work remains focused on equipping individuals, professionals, and communities with the tools needed to cope, recover, and thrive.
Expanding Mental Health Awareness & Community Engagement
Throughout the quarter, we facilitated a series of community-based initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open dialogue around mental health.
On March 9, 2026, Dr. Felisha Saunders-McBride delivered a presentation at Freeport Ship Services in recognition of International Women’s Day. Her session, “Give to Gain – The Art of Strategic Giving: Empowering Women,” emphasized self-awareness, intentional living, and the importance of women supporting one another in both personal and professional spaces.
We also participated in the “Let’s Talk” youth event on March 13 in Eight Mile Rock, where young people engaged in open and honest discussions about mental health. It was especially encouraging to see strong participation from young men, highlighting a growing willingness to break stigma and engage in meaningful conversations about wellbeing.
Additionally, our team engaged students through our Mental Health Matters initiative, including a session at St. George’s High School. Students were equipped with practical tools to:
These engagements are critical in fostering early intervention and building lifelong resilience skills.
Empowering Youth & Women Through Targeted Programming
Our work continues to prioritize vulnerable and developing populations through targeted outreach.
Counselor Stacey Bonnett represented the Center at the “I Am That Girl” Seminar on February 28, where young women participated in discussions on identity, confidence, kindness, and self-worth. Through guided reflection and interactive dialogue, participants were encouraged to embrace their individuality and build a strong sense of self.
In January, our team also engaged students from Lewis Yard Primary School and The Beacon School, focusing on self-confidence, healthy relationships, and personal identity. These sessions provided safe spaces for expression while reinforcing positive developmental skills.
Strengthening Workforce Capacity
A key component of this project is building a sustainable mental health workforce across the region.
On March 24, 2026, the Center hosted a Problem Management Plus (PM+) training, successfully training 11 participants in this evidence-based, scalable intervention model. This training supports the expansion of community-based care by equipping non-specialist providers with tools to deliver structured psychosocial support.
In addition, we continue to strengthen our clinical capacity through the onboarding of dedicated volunteer counselors, including:
These professionals bring diverse expertise in trauma-informed care, telehealth delivery, and youth development, significantly expanding access to mental health services across communities.
Promoting Wellness & Community Dialogue
Beyond structured training and school-based interventions, the Center continues to engage community groups in meaningful conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. McBride facilitated sessions with:
These sessions reinforce the importance of workplace and community-based mental health awareness, contributing to a culture of openness, support, and resilience.
Addressing a Regional Challenge
The Caribbean continues to face increasing mental health challenges driven by climate-related disasters, including more frequent and severe hurricanes. These events compound existing vulnerabilities, leading to heightened anxiety, trauma, and long-term psychological stress.
Through this project, the Bahamas Resilience Center is responding by:
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our focus remains on scaling this model across the Caribbean. By combining workforce development, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions like PM+, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and mentally healthy region.
We are deeply grateful to our supporters and partners who make this work possible. Together, we are not only addressing immediate needs but building systems that will sustain long-term wellbeing across vulnerable communities.
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