A local research team sees an urgent need for a mental health policy as they confirm a link between a spate of suicides in Barbados and the mental pressures being placed on young people, in particular by the covid-19 pandemic.

A just-completed study examined the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of the population.

It was conducted by occupational psychologist Jolene King  and Professor Dwayne Devonish of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Professor Devonish sees a clear connection with an increase in suicides.