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Mental Health is a Universal Human Right

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Mental health issues affect people worldwide; Latin America and the Caribbean are no exception. The prevalence and incidence of mental diseases in the Caribbean are concerning, impacting men, women, and children. Depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse are the most common mental health issues.

World Mental Health Day observed annually on October 10, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, promote mental well-being, and advocate for the rights of individuals facing mental health challenges. The theme for 2023 “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” underscores the importance of ensuring everyone has the right to access quality mental health care and support.

Mental, specific neurological, substance use disorders, and suicide form a subgroup of diseases and conditions that significantly cause disability and mortality globally. In the Americas, these conditions and events are responsible for approximately a third of the total years lived with disability and a fifth of total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)[1]. Several Member States are among the top 20% of countries with the highest age standardised DALYs per 100,000 population[2].  The burden is significant in young people, who often struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression. Nearly 16 million adolescents aged 10-19 live with a mental disorder in Latin America and the Caribbean[3].

Economic disparities, limited access to mental health services, and cultural stigma contribute to the increased risk of mental illness. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation, as mental health issues became more prominent, and mental health services were disrupted.

“Mental health issues are closely linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Caribbean. People with mental health problems are at higher risk of developing NCDs, and vice versa. Disorders such as depression can arise with diabetes and heart disease. This interplay between mental health and physical well-being highlights the urgency of addressing mental health as a public health priority,” stated Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

CARPHA is committed to promoting good mental health in the Caribbean region and supports developing and implementing programs focusing on mental health awareness, prevention, and access to mental health services. The updated CARPHA clinical guidelines for managing diabetes and hypertension emphasise the need to address mental health issues for those living with the NCDs and their caregivers.

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Good mental health and well-being are important components for persons to realise their full potential, participate and contribute to their communities, and workplaces.  As such, equitable access to mental health services, public education and awareness about mental illness are critical to supporting these components.

Policymakers are urged to prioritise mental health services and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness to support good mental health in the Caribbean. Mental health issues can significantly impact the management and outcomes of NCDs.  Healthcare professionals should seek to address this profound connection and integrate mental health support into the care of patients with NCDs.

Communities and families can provide social support and promote awareness. Individuals can take responsibility for their mental well-being by prioritising sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and drug abuse.

It is essential to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. Persons with mental health challenges have the right to live in their communities and receive appropriate services and support.

On World Mental Health Day 2023, remember that “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” Together, we can create a world where everyone has access to quality mental health care and the opportunity to thrive.  World Mental Health Day was first observed in 1992 as the World Federation for Mental Health initiative. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, with various organisations, communities, and individuals joining hands to combat the stigma associated with mental illness and advocate for mental health as a human right.

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

 

OECS MSME Guarantee Facility Project

Loan No.: IDA-62670, IDA-62660, IDA-62640, IBRD-88830, IDA-62650

Assignment Title: Senior Operating Officer (SOO)

Reference No. KN-ECPCGC-207852-CS-INDV

 

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have received financing in the amount of US$10 million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of establishing a partial credit guarantee scheme, and they intend to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, and consulting services to be procured under this project. 

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to Micro, small and medium-sized businesses, knowledge of the internal control processes necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk mitigation procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, Banking or related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, inclusive of MSME lending. The initial employment period will be for two years on a contractual basis. Renewal of the contract will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of the contractual period. The assignment is expected to begin on September 30th, 2021.  The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be viewed by following the attached link below. 

 

https://bit.ly/3iVannm

 

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) now invites eligible “Consultants” to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have:

  • An Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Finance, Banking or related field; and
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending. Applicants should also have:
  • The ability to design and implement risk management procedures 
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to small and medium-sized businesses
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME banking operations
  • Knowledge of the internal controls necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk management procedures
  • Experience developing and presenting information in public, including responding to questions in real-time
  • Experience lending to MSMEs located in the ECCU
  • Knowledge of marketing and communicating with the MSME sector
  • Ability to draft procedures to be used in a lending operation
  • Familiarity with the mechanics of a loan guarantee program
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. 

 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours:

Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation

Brid Rock, Basseterre,

St. Kitts.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by August 11th, 2021, to [email protected]

 

For further information, please contact:

Carmen Gomez-Trigg                                                            Bernard Thomas

Chief Executive Officer                                                          Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                  Tel: 869-765-2385

Email: [email protected]                                          [email protected]