SVG contracts new psychiatrist

After almost four years without a psychiatrist on staff, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment now has the services of an experienced practitioner.

Dr Ermine Belle on Monday signed a contract with the Ministry to provide her services for five working days a month to the Government.

Speaking on Monday at a brief signing ceremony, Dr Belle, a Barbadian, noted that she has over 30 years’ experience in the field of psychiatry. She said she is happy to be here and describes this new move as an adventure.

“Having worked in the public service in Barbados for umpteen years, I am really happy now to be able to give some assistance somewhere else…,” Belle said. She also stated that this a learning and a sharing experience, which hopefully will leave this country better off.Also speaking at Monday’s signing ceremony, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment Luke Browne expressed his elation at having Dr Belle join the staff at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre.

“You have come here to perform an important role in the context of our mental health programme,” an excited Browne told Belle.

The Minister said he hopes the present arrangement would give way to a situation of greater permanence.

“We are committed to, in the long run, taking care of these patients to the best of our ability,” Browne stated.

He thanked Dr Belle for embarking on such a mission and stated that they look upon her in her field of practice with great respect.

“We think that you are best fit to be able to render these services as we require them at this moment in time.”

Chief medical officer Dr Simone Keizer-Beache also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Dr Belle. She noted that the Ministry is committed to working with Belle to build a team where the improvement of the mental health services would be the end result.

Belle’s appointment comes as a relief not only to the Ministry of Health, but also to this country’s justice system, there being several criminal cases which have been on hold for years, as the court awaited psychiatric reports on the defendants. (CM)