Dr. Griffin Benjamin is likely successor to retiring government psychiatrist, with Cabinet discussing his possible terms of employment

Following the retirement – and not the resignation – of government
psychiatrist Dr. James King from the civil service in June, the Cabinet reports
that it invited his likely successor, Dr. Griffin Benjamin to discuss conditions of
his employment.

While Dr. King provided evaluations of accused persons to the Courts before
he withdrew such services, he also served at the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital.
Dr. Benjamin, however, has worked only with the courts, to date. Whether he
will succeed Dr. King at the hospital, as well, is not yet known.

This week’s Notes say that he and the Executive discussed “the broad terms
and conditions of employment (through a written contract)” with a view to
reaching an agreement.

A native of Dominica, Dr. Benjamin reportedly has spent a considerable
number of years in Antigua, Montserrat, and other Caribbean countries. He
was, in fact, recommended to Attorney-General Steadroy Benjamin by Dr.
King, himself.

In related news, the Notes say that a Mental Health Bill, 2024 is to be drafted,
while the Mental Health Treatment Act, 1989 is to be amended to meet current
needs.

The courts frequently order psychological assessments of persons accused
and charged with crimes, and only trained and certified psychiatrists are
permitted to provide those assessments, the Notes say.