by: BIS/Betty Vedrine
The Government of The Bahamas is urging families, schools, churches, sporting organizations and communities to help break the silence surrounding mental health and suicide, particularly among boys and men.
The call came from Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Owen Wells during the World Suicide Prevention Day Symposium and Orange Alert Day 2026, held Thursday at Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church. The forum was conducted under the theme, ‘Changing the Narrative for Men and Boys: Breaking the Silence, Building Hope.’ Also in attendance was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Services, the Hon. Bacchus Rolle, who also delivered brief remarks on behalf of Minister of Social Services, the Hon. Barbara Cartwright.
Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Michael Darville, also delivered televised greetings to attendees. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to mental health and highlighted three initiatives to support persons experiencing mental health challenges: funding for the Bahamas Crisis Centre; bi-monthly seminars for doctors, caregivers, counsellors and other frontline workers to assist with mental health-related issues; and an increase in public service messages and images targeting mental health.
The symposium featured panel discussions involving doctors in the field of psychiatry, pastors, educators and other professionals.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Wells described suicide as a “national public health concern,” stressing that every life lost represents a permanent loss to families and communities.
“When we talk about suicide, we are not talking about somebody else’s family or somebody else’s child. We are talking about people we know,” he said.
Statistics Highlight Concern for Men and Boys
The Minister noted that The Bahamas recorded 16 deaths by suicide and 62 attempted suicides in 2025, compared with 10 deaths and 48 attempts in 2024. Of the 16 people who died by suicide in 2025, 12 were men, representing 75 per cent of all suicide deaths.
Concern is also being raised about the mental health of boys. According to findings from The Bahamas 2025 Global School-based Student Health Survey, 15.6 per cent of boys surveyed had seriously considered suicide, 16.2 per cent had made a suicide plan and 14.7 per cent reported attempting suicide.
“That is roughly one in seven boys surveyed reporting a suicide attempt,” Minister Wells said.
He warned that young people experiencing emotional distress may not always appear troubled, noting that some may withdraw from family and friends or display noticeable changes in personality.
Redefining Strength
Minister Wells challenged cultural messages that encourage boys to suppress their emotions.
“For generations, society has sent very specific messages to our boys – be strong, stop crying, act like a man, handle yourself,” he said.
He called for a redefinition of strength, emphasizing that seeking help should be viewed as an act of courage.
“Strength is not pretending that nothing hurts. Strength is recognizing when the weight becomes too heavy, it’s talking and asking for help,” he said.
The Minister called on parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, youth leaders, employers and friends to become better equipped to recognize signs of distress and create safe spaces where young men can speak openly about their feelings.
“Our schools, sporting organizations, churches, youth groups, workplaces and community centres are all a part of our mental health response,” he said.
Strengthening Mental Health Support
Minister Wells reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening access to mental health services throughout The Bahamas, including community-based services on New Providence and the Family Islands.
“The Government and the Ministry of Health & Wellness are committed to transforming mental healthcare through the Mental Health Act and through a stronger focus on community-based care,” he said.
He noted that efforts are underway to bring mental health services closer to people through primary healthcare clinics, schools and communities, while strengthening the ability of frontline professionals to identify concerns earlier and expanding pathways for counselling and crisis support.
Minister Wells also recognized the management, clinical staff and wider team at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, as well as psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, nurses, social workers, community health professionals and other support teams for their continued service.
A Message of Hope
In a direct message to boys and men who may be struggling silently, Minister Wells urged them to speak with someone and seek help.
“Your difficult day does not have to become your FINAL DAY,” he said.
He encouraged those who may not receive understanding from the first person they approach to continue reaching out and telling someone else. He also urged the wider community to listen when someone finds the courage to speak.
“Changing the narrative will not happen because of one symposium, one orange alert day or one government programme,” he said. “It will happen when a Bahamian boy can say, ‘I am hurting,’ and instead of hearing ‘man up’, he hears, ‘I am here. Talk to me’.”
“That is how we break the silence. That is how we build hope. And that is how we save lives.”
(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
