Lawyers trained in involuntary mental health admissions
- Published in Soualiga News II
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(photo contributed)
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Thursday, November 27, 2025, ten lawyers from Sint Maarten participated in a training on the involuntary admission of mental health patients.
The training took place at the Mental Health Foundation and was led by psychiatrist Dr. R. Texeira and Judge Mr. G. Drenth. The participants were taught about mental health disorders and the legal ins and outs of involuntary admission and were also given a tour of the facility.
The training was given because, starting in January 2026, patients who are involuntarily admitted will receive legal assistance from a lawyer.
Sint Maarten is the first country in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom where this will take place, as a result of close cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, the Ministry of Justice, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Courthouse, the Mental Health Foundation, and the Bar Association of Lawyers.
According to Judge Drenth this is a significant and important milestone in protecting the rights of a vulnerable group of citizens and shows that Sint Maarten wants to take the lead in complying with international human rights standards.
The judge is therefore confident that the government will ensure in a timely manner that the draft policy regulating legal aid and its financing is finalized and incorporated into policy.