**Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan) (Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis)** — Three mental health professionals from Saint Kitts and Nevis have completed a five-week immersive training program in mental health management in Taipei, Taiwan. Natasha Mitchum, McMillan Cuffy, and Sheron Morris proudly received their certificates after presenting their course reports at a closing ceremony on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
The training program, titled “2025 Seed Instructor Training for Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project in Saint Kitts and Nevis,” is the first of its kind, funded by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and facilitated by Taipei Veterans General Hospital.
His Excellency Donya L. Francis, the Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan, expressed sincere gratitude to Taipei Veterans General Hospital for their ongoing partnership with Saint Kitts and Nevis. “The Taipei Veterans General Hospital is a true friend and partner of Saint Kitts and Nevis, as they continuously extend their support to strengthen our healthcare system through training and donations,” Ambassador Francis stated.
The seed instructors developed two teaching modules focused on schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, along with two educational tools aimed at promoting mental health awareness in the Federation. Their goal is to transform perceptions of psychiatry on the islands by educating fellow mental health professionals, campaigning to reduce stigma and discrimination, and advocating for patients’ rights.
The training program began on April 9, 2025. Participants were assigned to the psychiatry departments of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, the Yuli branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Taipei City Hospital SongDe Branch. They also had opportunities to explore Taiwan during their free time.
On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ambassador Donya L. Francis thanked Taiwan ICDF for designing this significant project, thereby further investing in the enhancement of our healthcare system.