A New Vision for Justice: Mental Health Takes Center Stage
WESTERN BUREAU: In a refreshing shift, Floyd V. Hitchman, the newly appointed president of the St. James chapter of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica (LMAJ), is setting a bold agenda that goes beyond traditional justice. His focus? Mental health—a topic often whispered about but rarely addressed openly.
In his inaugural address, Hitchman introduced the theme “Mental Health: Balancing Lives through Justice for All.” He emphasized that this is not just a catchy phrase but a heartfelt call to action. “It’s time to lead not only with the law but with compassion, advocacy, and awareness,” he urged, encouraging justices of the peace to become beacons of hope in their communities.
The Urgency of Mental Health Awareness
Hitchman’s agenda is underscored by alarming statistics. Jamaica recorded 67 suicides in 2024, the highest in nearly 25 years, with men making up over 90% of those tragic numbers. Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety affect thousands, yet many struggle to access treatment due to stigma, cost, and geographical barriers.
Experts estimate that about 15% of children may have a diagnosable mental disorder, but fewer than 10% of those with severe cases receive care. With only around 40 psychiatrists serving nearly three million Jamaicans, the need for action is clear.
A Unified Call to Action
Hitchman’s message resonates with the recent sentiments expressed by Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness. Following a spike in calls to the ministry’s Suicide Prevention Helpline—633 calls in just one month—Tufton urged Jamaicans to look out for one another. “It’s going to take each of us to address the mental-health challenge,” he stated, emphasizing community support.
The ministry is also expanding its services, training 47 non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme. This initiative aims to equip individuals to identify and respond to signs of mental disorders, making a significant impact at the community level.
Schools and Community Engagement
Schools are not left out of this vital conversation. The School Mental Health Literacy Programme is actively engaging guidance counselors, helping them reduce stigma and teach coping strategies to students. Additionally, 45 Problem Management Plus providers are already offering support to those facing everyday struggles.
Families and individuals can access care at over 150 adult mental health clinics across the island, with more than 20 dedicated to children and adolescents. “We continue to operate our public mental health clinics,” Tufton confirmed, highlighting the government’s commitment to mental health care.
A Vision for the Future
Hitchman is committed to pushing for wellness workshops for justices of the peace and lay magistrates, aiming to engage in mentorship programs for youth and outreach initiatives for seniors. “Those who serve must also be supported,” he noted, recognizing that the well-being of magistrates directly impacts the quality of service they provide.
Stigma remains a significant barrier, with many delaying help due to fear of being labeled or a lack of awareness about available services. Hitchman believes that justice must evolve from mere enforcement to a broader mission of healing. “Together, we can strengthen the mental health of our people and restore dignity where it has been lost,” he said.
As Hitchman and his new administration, including Vice-Presidents Reverend Paul King and Dujaughn Brown, embark on this transformative journey, one question lingers: How can we, as a community, support each other in breaking the silence around mental health?