St. Maarten lawyers trained ahead of new legal aid system for involuntary mental health admissions

GREAT BAY--On Thursday, November 27, 2025, ten lawyers from Sint Maarten participated in a specialized training on the involuntary admission of mental health patients. The session took place at the Mental Health Foundation and was conducted by psychiatrist Dr. R. Texeira and judge mr. G. Drenth.

During the training, participants received information on mental health disorders and the legal framework surrounding involuntary admission. They also received a guided tour of the Mental Health Foundation facility to better understand the practical context in which such admissions take place.

The training was organized in preparation for a new measure that will take effect in January 2026. From that date, 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 system will be introduced. This development is the 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 Mr. Drenth, this change represents 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 confident that government will ensure in a timely manner that the draft policy regulating legal aid and its financing is finalized and incorporated into policy.

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