FINANCIAL CRISIS MAY PUSH RESIDENTS INTO MENTAL-HEALTH CRISIS
With mental health having become a major concern during this pandemic, Pearl Quinn-Williams says the Government should do more to avert a crisis in Antigua and Barbuda.
Quinn-Williams, the United Progressive Party’s Candidate for St. John’s Rural North, is a retired banker. She says the financial issues being faced by families – including being unable to make loan payments or meet their rent – create anxiety and pressure that could have far-reaching implications for their mental health.
She says it is situations like the economic crisis that could cause the country to develop a mental-health crisis.
Added to the reality that many persons are unable to provide for themselves and their families, they face the risk of becoming homeless and losing their vehicles to repossession Quinn-Williams say.
She describes the situation, in local terms, as “put pon put,” which can be unbearable for some.
If the Administration does not intervene, the Candidate warns, any psychological crisis that follows will fall squarely at its feet.
“The ultimate measure of a good government is not how it treats its citizens in good times – but how it treats them in times of crisis,” Quinn-Williams says.
