On May 11, 2026, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors hosted a Youth Mental Health Debate at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall, focusing on the motion: “This House believes that a child’s right to privacy when accessing health services outweighs a parent’s right to be informed.” The event was part of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month campaign and was organized by the Youth Advisory Working Group (YAWG), a youth-led committee under the Youth Mental Health Plan 2027, sponsored by the Mirrors Programme under the Department of Child and Family Services.
The Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, opened the debate by highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for young people to speak openly about mental health and access the support they need. Minister Furbert praised the students for their courage, leadership, and willingness to engage with one of the most complex issues facing young people today, stating, “Your courage, your conviction, and your willingness to wrestle with the hardest conversations of our time is exactly what continues to move this country forward.” She also emphasized that addressing youth mental health requires listening to young people and ensuring their voices remain central in shaping policy and support systems across Bermuda.
Following the debate, an Expertise Panel offered reflections from professional perspectives spanning debate, child and family services, clinical mental health, public health, and legal/policy reform. The panel included Mr. Gladstone Thompson, Mrs. Kennette Robinson, Dr. Anna Neilson-Williams, Dr. Alison Daniels, and Ms. Shakira Dill-Francois.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Alison Daniels, Programme Manager for the Child Care Regulation Programme, said: “What we witnessed was more than a debate, it was young people stepping into the centre of a national conversation that affects their lives, their wellbeing, and their future. This event forms part of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Anti‑Stigma Month, and it builds on the Youth Advisory Board’s recent presentation to senior government leaders on youth mental health legislation, access to care, and the barriers young people face when seeking support.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I want to thank our families, our schools, our community organisations, and the wider public for standing with Bermuda’s young people. Your support strengthens the Ministry’s efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build a stronger culture of wellbeing across the island.”
The debate attracted a full audience, including His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, Government officials, educators, youth programme leaders, and family members. The recording of the debate will soon be available for viewing on CITV's YouTube channel.