Stand Up Jamaica: More Attention to Mental Health

Executive Director for Stand Up Jamaica, Maria Carla Gullotta is condemning the abuse of a young man by his father in St. Catherine. The activist is calling on the Health Ministry to pay more attention to mental health.

The video of the father who is said to be of unsound mind beating his chained son aged 29 who is also mentally challenged has sparked concern across the island and on social media since Sunday, October 3. 

Speaking with CVM Live Tuesday, October 5, Ms. Gullotta, says the organization has been tracking this case since it became public. However, she notes the local health authorities should long have been made aware of the mental conditions of both the father and the son. 

Executive Director for Stand Up Jamaica adds though this may be a matter for the health authorities, she notes there is a lack of personnel such as social workers, and suggests the health system should have a mechanism in place to provide better access for the police to intervene in these kinds of situations.

To date it is still unclear who is caring for the young man while his father is locked up; Ms. Gullotta says the residents will not have the proper expertise to assist him. Of additional concern to Gulotta, there are currently more than 300 mentally ill persons awaiting trial in prison.

She says if the father is released he may continue to abuse his son. She appeals to the health authorities to prioritize mental health.

More in this CVM Live story from Javine Mclean: