Trinidad and Tobago, 18th February, 2013. A 2-day Mental Health Planning workshop supported by the PAHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health Dr. Devora Kestel, and the PAHO Trinidad country office through Health Systems Consultant Dr. Carlene Radix was held at the Ministry of Health Headquarters on February 4th and 5th 2013. The Workshop was launched with a Welcome by Ag. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Akenath Misir, Remarks by the PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi and an address by the Minister of Health Dr. The Hon. Fuad Khan. The Minister gave his support to the process of decentralization of Mental Health Services with integration in Primary Care and increase in Community based specialized services. 

The Workshop concentrated on the reorganization of services with a shift from the institutionalization of persons with Mental Illness to the promotion of Mental Health and integration into society. There was broad stakeholder participation with around 60 participants from various sectors including, primary care, police and social services. At the end of the two days a smaller working group was tasked with the refining of the plan.

(Left to Right) Ms. Trudy Rouse Mental Health Manager, Ministry of Health and Dr. Devora Kestel, PAHO Regional Advisor Mental Health