The Mental Health Project, funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund and implemented by the NRPB in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), has partnered with the world-renowned Trimbos Institute. This partnership will strengthen the foundation for
sustainable, community-centered mental health services tailored to Sint Maarten’s
unique needs. As part of this agreement, Trimbos will provide critical technical expertise
to reshape the sector, ensuring all residents have access to timely, high-quality mental
health care. The Honorable Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, has commended this
collaboration as another success in the Government of Sint Maarten’s ongoing efforts to
improve mental healthcare for the entire community.
Trimbos Institute’s advisory role will include conducting a comprehensive assessment of
Sint Maarten’s mental health services to identify areas for improvement. Their guidance
will shape an inclusive mental health framework, tailored to the island’s unique context.
Additionally, Trimbos will deliver training programs to build the capacity of local mental
health professionals for preventative mental health care, ensuring the workforce is
equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet community needs.
The collaboration will also support the finalization of the national mental health action
plan, improve governance structures, and provide technical assistance for service cost
assessments. It will also offer prevention and promotion strategies, strengthened
referral systems, and culturally relevant, tailor-made approaches to ensure sustainable,
high-quality mental health care for Sint Maarten. By the end of the agreement, Sint
Maarten will have the tools and expertise to continue independently.
The Ministry of VSA is also working with key stakeholders, including care institutions,
public health entities, judicial organizations, medical professionals, non-governmental,
and faith-based organizations and community representatives, to ensure the success of
the improvements for the sector. The 30-month agreement sees the Trimbos Institute
provide critical technical expertise. The foundation of this relationship was developed
following discussions during Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina’s visit to Trimbos Institute
in the Netherlands in July 2024.
Reflecting on the significance of this agreement with Trimbos, Minister Brug remarked,
“Trimbos’ expertise will help us build a strong foundation for mental health services in
Sint Maarten with long-term benefits for the community. We aim to improve service
delivery, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and ensure all residents
have timely access to high-quality mental health care. This guidance will empower
healthcare professionals to provide the best possible support to our community,
reflecting our commitment to prioritizing the mental well-being of our island.”
The Ministry of VSA is confident that Trimbos’ technical advice can help Sint Maarten
set a new framework for mental health services, creating a community-based mental
health system grounded in recovery and evidence-based practices.
Founded in 1996, the Trimbos Institute is an independent research organization with
extensive experience supporting mental health initiatives across 21 countries. As the
only WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services in the Netherlands, Trimbos
specializes in developing preventative mental health programs, offering evidence-based
advice, and implementing solutions tailored to diverse communities. Their advisory role
begins in February 2025, with initial stakeholder meetings and work plan development.
Meetings will take place in the week of the 4 th – 11 th of February when Trimbos is visiting
Sint Maarten.