PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret Connor has met with Trust Fund representatives and Kingdom partners to discuss the Mental Health Project and the need to sustain improvements in mental health care on Sint Maarten.
Connor, accompanied by ministry and cabinet staff, met with Frans Weekers and Sint Maarten’s Trust Fund representative Ronald Halman ahead of the Trust Fund Steering Committee meetings scheduled to take place on the island next week.
The discussions covered the project’s development, key priorities, and continued cooperation toward a more accessible, comprehensive, and sustainable mental health care system.
The Mental Health Project forms part of Sint Maarten’s broader efforts to strengthen services, build institutional capacity and develop infrastructure suited to the population’s needs.
During the meeting, Connor emphasized that mental health reform must place residents’ well-being at its center. He also stressed the importance of sustaining the institutional and operational improvements the project is expected to deliver.
“Mental health is an essential part of public health, and strengthening our mental health care system requires sustained commitment and collaboration,” Connor said.
“Our focus must remain on ensuring that the people of Sint Maarten have continued, uninterrupted access to the care, support, and services they need, delivered in a manner that respects their dignity and promotes their overall well-being.”
The minister acknowledged the continued partnership with the Trust Fund and other stakeholders involved in advancing the project.
According to the ministry, VSA will continue working with its partners to support implementation and ensure that the investments deliver meaningful, lasting improvements in mental health care for Sint Maarten’s residents.