Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Council Inaugural Meeting Marks Milestone in National Mental Health Care

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has announced the successful convening of the first meeting of the Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Council (PMHAC), established to oversee the management and strategic direction of the nation’s 54-bed long-term residential mental health facility in East End.

The meeting, held on 12 August, represents a significant step forward in the country’s commitment to expanding and strengthening mental health services. Developed under the guidance of Mrs. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks the Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, the Council gathered to define its terms of reference, assess the current state of the facility, and set forth clear goals and a strategic roadmap to ensure the hospital fulfills its mission of delivering comprehensive, rehabilitative mental health care to those most in need.

Minister Ebanks-Wilks underscored the Government’s dedication to building a modern, inclusive, and effective mental health system, highlighting the PMHAC in this vision:

“Nelson Mandela once said that it always seems impossible until it’s done. I am excited that the Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Council has now begun to meet. Today’s meeting is the beginning of something deeply important, not just for Poinciana but for the entire Cayman Islands community,” the Minister stated. “With the launch of the Council, we are formalising what has always been our shared vision; that mental health must be accountable, compassionate, and centred on the needs of our people. This journey is not going to be easy because oversight is a responsibility that will demand rigour, integrity, and courage. But it is also a privilege. Every recommendation made or standard upheld will have a direct and lasting impact on someone’s recovery and our society’s capacity to embrace and reintegrate those who are often pushed to the margins.”

Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, said: “Today’s first meeting of the Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Council signals real progress in how we address mental wellness in our islands. Mental health touches every family in the Cayman Islands, and this Council gives our people a stronger voice in shaping the support and services we need.”

The Council will meet regularly to guide the facility’s development and ensure it remains aligned with best practices in psychiatric rehabilitation. Beyond clinical excellence, the Council will focus on engaging the community through education, information, and participatory opportunities, fostering a shared responsibility in supporting mental health recovery.

The Poinciana Mental Health Advisory Council Members:

• Dr. Marc Lockhart – Consultant Psychiatrist, Chairperson
• Mrs. Marcia Mullings-Thompson – Director
• Dr. Omotayo Bernard – Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Director
• Mr. Peter Goddard – Attorney, IMG Trust – Member
• Mr. Ken Figueira – Occupational Therapist, Member
• Ms. Jennifer Weber – Former Operational Manager, Cancer Society
• Mr. Rayle Roberts – Social Worker, Deputy Director, DCFS
• Ms. Rashana Hydes – Youth Mental Health Advocate
• Ms. Felicia McLean – Chief Nursing Officer (representing the Chief Officer, Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability)

The 54-bed facility represents a cornerstone of the nation’s evolving mental health infrastructure, offering a full spectrum of rehabilitative services designed to promote recovery and community reintegration. Through the leadership of the Advisory council the Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre will serve not only as a place of treatment, but as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.