Ministry Hosts Youth Mental Health Debate
The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors recently hosted a Youth Mental Health Debate at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall.
A Government spokesperson said, “On May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors hosted a Youth Mental Health Debate at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall, focusing on the motion: ‘This House believes that the age of consent to access mental-health services should be reduced from 18 to 16.’ The event was part of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month campaign and was organized by the Youth Advisory Working Group [YAWG], a youth-led committee under the Youth Mental Health Plan 2027, sponsored by the Mirrors Programme under the Department of Child and Family Services.
“The Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, opened the debate, emphasizing the importance of mental health policy discussions. ‘Today’s motion is not only timely but also deeply resonant with the challenges and opportunities we face as a community’. Christopher Jackson, Chair of YAWG, highlighted the debate’s relevance, noting that countries in the region like the Bahamas and Guyana have recently amended their mental health legislation to reflect human rights considerations. He praised the student debaters for their passionate and persuasive arguments that challenged stigma and raised awareness about youth mental health.
“The event concluded with remarks from His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. Andrew Murdoch, and the Hon. Kim Wilson, Minister of Health, both commending the students for their insightful contributions. His Excellency stated, ‘The topic is an important one and well done to those organizing this to put it front and center’. He further highlighted statistics from the National Youth Mental Health study carried out in Bermuda in Sept 2022 and stated, ‘62% cited embarrassment as the main reason for not seeking help and that’s, that issue of stigmatization. So, I really do fully support the work, to raise awareness of both the issue and how it can manifest’. ‘It’s vital that we create and environment free from stigmatization where the youth can talk about mental health freely’.
“The debate attracted a full audience, including government officials, educators, youth program leaders, and family members. It was streamed on CITV and is available for viewing on the Government of Bermuda’s social media platforms and CITV’s YouTube channel. For more information about the Proposed Youth Mental Health Plan, please contact Dr Daniel Cavanagh at dcavanagh@college.bm by email.”
