On 17 June 2016, the House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) passed the Mental Health Bill, 2016. The last piece of mental health legislation was enacted in the TCI in 1902 and was last revised in 2009.
Since this time, a number of key international and regional human rights instruments related to the rights of people with mental disorders have been developed. TCI was therefore obligated under international human rights laws to ensure that its legislation, policy and practice conform to international human rights laws and this includes the protection of persons with mental disorders.
People with mental disorders are, or can be, particularly vulnerable to abuse and violation of rights. This new Legislation is therefore designed to make better provision for the treatment, care, support and protection of people with mental disorders; and provide for the recognition of the role of care givers and families in providing care and support to people with mental disorders.
There are a number of benefits that will come with this new legislation. For instance, it will protect and promote human rights of persons with mental disorders; safeguard against discrimination; facilitate greater access to quality mental health care; promote the least restrictive form of care; make provision for monitoring involuntary admission and treatment as well as appeal for care related decisions and increase respect for the dignity of mentally ill persons.
Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing stated; “I see this Ordinance as a part of our total health strategy. It is an indication that we are taking another step towards bettering the lives of persons with mental illness and we will work to ensure that continued progress is made in this area."
For more information on the Mental Health Ordinance, contact the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence on 338-3613/338-4737.