Barbados Defence Force Champions Mental Wellness with PAHO and Ross University Support

In October 2025, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) intensified its focus on mental health, aligning with the World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”

 

Recognizing that operational readiness hinges on both physical fitness and psychological resilience, the BDF implemented a series of activities throughout the month to promote mental well-being among its personnel.

 

On October 17, the BDF collaborated with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to host a comprehensive mental health and wellness exercise.

 

Moving beyond traditional methods, the event featured engaging and therapeutic activities designed to highlight the connection between mental and physical health.

 

These included an information booth with educational resources, health checks conducted in partnership with the Ross University School of Medicine, creative stations for painting and coloring, and physical sessions like high-energy dance and team resilience relays.

 

Lieutenant Andrew Alleyne, Assistant Coordinator of Social Services at the BDF, expressed gratitude for PAHO's innovative approach, stating, “We are truly grateful to PAHO and feel inspired by the innovative approaches employed in this engagement.”

 

Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, commended the BDF's leadership in fostering a culture of care, emphasizing that “there is no health without mental health.”

 

This initiative underscores the BDF's commitment to holistic health, ensuring that those serving on the frontlines are equipped with the necessary support to maintain both physical and mental well-being.

 

By integrating education, creativity, and physical activity, the BDF, PAHO, and Ross University demonstrate a proactive approach to building resilience and promoting readiness among service members.