SVG Gets Psychiatrist After 10-Year Gap in Recruitment and Retention, Minister Says 

By S.Browne. Updated 2:29 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

St. Vincent and the Grenadines now has a psychiatrist following a period of approximately 10 years during which the country was unable to recruit and retain one, Health Minister Daniel Cummings has said.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Office of the Prime Minister, Cummings said the gap in specialist psychiatric services had been a long-standing challenge for the public health system.

“This country for about 10 years or so has not been able to recruit and retain a psychiatrist,” he said.

The minister said the development marks a strengthening of mental health services within the health sector.

“Today we are privileged that on board in the mental health rehabilitation centre, is a very competent and experienced doctor who is going to assist us in this important area,” he said.

Cummings introduced the specialist as consultant psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo, noting his experience across multiple countries and regions.

Dr. Castillo also addressed the briefing, outlining his professional background in psychiatry spanning more than three decades.

“I have been a psychiatrist for about 33 years,” he said. “I am from Cuba, but my first experience working abroad was in Saint Lucia… then I went to other places like Venezuela, and my last 10 years I spent in South Africa.”

He said discussions with local health officials had been ongoing for several years prior to his engagement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Because of family reasons, I have been in conversations for about three years with officers in the Ministry of Health,” he said. “Finally, it happened that I could come to St. Vincent. And really, I’m very happy to be part of this effort.”

The minister said the engagement of specialist psychiatric expertise forms part of broader efforts to strengthen mental health services across the public health system.

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