Bridgetown, Barbados, 17 October 2025 (PAHO) - In alignment with the 2025 World Mental Health Day theme, "Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies," the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) underscored its commitment to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of its service personnel and civilian members.

As a frontline institution responding to crises, catastrophes, and humanitarian emergencies, the BDF recognises that operational readiness depends not only on physical fitness but also on psychological resilience. Throughout the month of October, observed as mental health month for the institution, they have been implementing a series of activities to foster mental health awareness, encourage stress management, and strengthen team cohesion through interactive and restorative wellness sessions.

On 17 October 2025, the BDF invited the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to lead a special mental health and wellness exercise for its members. PAHO welcomed the opportunity, given the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. Moving away from the traditional classroom-style approach, the event featured a range of engaging, educational, and therapeutic activities designed to highlight the connection between mental and physical health.

The interactive morning included:

• Information booth: Featuring educational resources about PAHO and overall health, including mental wellbeing. A 3D gratitude tree encouraged participants to express things they were thankful for, a feature that was warmly received. Most notes of gratitude included being thankful for life, health and family. For example:
  • Faith, family and forgiveness…some of my guiding health principles
  • I am thankful for my body. For the strength in my legs, for the rhythm of my run, where anger burns away and freedom takes its place.
  • Life, my son, my family. People who bless my life by being there for me.
• Health Checks: Conducted in partnership with Ross University School of Medicine, offering blood pressure, glucose, and BMI screenings.
• Photo and creativity stations: A selfie board with positive mental health messages added a fun, social element, while a painting and colouring zone invited participants to relax and express creativity, many noting it was their first such experience.
• Movement and resilience activities: Two physical sessions brought energy and teamwork to the fore, a high-energy dance session led by the PAHO team, followed by a team resilience relay that showcased cooperation, adaptability, and the link between physical activity and mental health.

"We are truly grateful to PAHO and feel inspired by the innovative approaches employed in this engagement," said Lieutenant Andrew Alleyne, Assistant Coordinator of Social Services of the Barbados Defence Force.

From left, Lieutenant Andrew Alleyne, Assistant Coordinator of Social Services, Barbados Defence Force and Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries

This initiative underscored that mental health is a vital part of overall wellbeing, especially for those who serve on the frontlines of emergencies. By blending education, creativity, movement, and fun, PAHO, the BDF, and Ross University demonstrated a proactive, compassionate approach to building resilience and promoting readiness.

PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, congratulated the BDF on its leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of care within its ranks.

"It is a pleasure for PAHO to partner with the Barbados Defence Force in advancing mental health and wellbeing. For us, there is no health without mental health. This initiative reflects a holistic approach to health that truly integrates physical and mental care," said Dr. Del Riego.

Dr. Carlene Radix, Associate Professor Community Medicine, Assistant Dean Community Medicine and Global Health Office of External Affairs, Ross University School of Medicine, doing health checks BDF members participating in the painting and coloring sessions A great time was had by all during the dancing sessions.

Country News

Mental Health

Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries