On Thursday, November 27, ten lawyers from Sint Maarten took part in a specialized training on the involuntary admission of mental health patients. Hosted at the Mental Health Foundation, the sessions were led by psychiatrist Dr. R. Texeira and Judge G. Drenth. Participants learned about mental health disorders, the legal framework surrounding involuntary admission, and even toured the facility to better understand patient care.
The training comes ahead of a major change in January 2026, when patients admitted involuntarily will receive legal assistance from a lawyer — a first for any country in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. This milestone is the result of close cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, the Ministry of Justice, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Courthouse, the Mental Health Foundation, and the Bar Association of Lawyers.
Judge Drenth highlighted the significance of this initiative, calling it a crucial step in protecting the rights of a vulnerable group and positioning Sint Maarten as a leader in upholding international human rights standards. He also expressed confidence that the government will finalize and implement the draft policy regulating legal aid and its funding in a timely manner.
This program ensures that those who are most vulnerable receive proper legal protection, reinforcing Sint Maarten’s commitment to human rights and justice.
SEGUE 1 (Pre-commercial):
"Coming up after the break: a closer look at how a new resort in Indigo Bay is setting ambitious sustainability standards, promising both eco-tourism and economic benefits for St. Maarten’s community."
[Break][Commercial]
[WEATHER SCRIPT OPEN]
[WEATHER CLOSE ]