Rehab over prison
Greene calls for compassionate approach to mental health, drug abuse
Published:Friday | October 3, 2025 | 12:08 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
Errol Greene, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is calling for a more compassionate approach to dealing with mental health and dementia, emphasising rehabilitation over incarceration..
Expressing concern about the growing number of young people affected by substance abuse, Greene highlighted the mental health challenges they face and the risk of imprisonment for offences committed while under the influence of illegal drugs.
“I work in health, and believe you me, some of the things that I'm seeing as it relates to mental health and how some of our young people ... how their brains and their thinking have deteriorated because of the use of drugs,” said Greene. “We can't just pack up everybody and send them to a prison.”
Greene, who was speaking at a recent justices of the peace and lay magistrates event in St James, said his preferred option is rehabilitation over incarceration.
“We need to find a way to work with them, to get them into rehabilitation, and to set them on the straight and narrow,” said Green.
Greene cited Drug Treatment Courts as a critical outlet, where justices of the peace (JPs) are already playing a role in redirecting troubled youth from incarceration to recovery.
He also stressed that dementia among the elderly is an equally pressing issue, warning that families and the health system alike will be further strained as cases continue to rise.
“This is a national challenge that requires empathy, structured intervention, and a willingness to treat people not as criminals but as human beings in need of help,” he said.
Beyond the health dimension, Greene tied the crisis to the broader justice system. He praised innovations such as digital case management systems, mobile legal aid units, and mediation training for JPs, which are all designed to reduce court backlogs and expand access to justice.
“When you go to mediation and two people can smile and shake hands and come to a solution, instead of going back to court over and over, it has certainly cleared up the backlog of cases,” explained Greene.
Greene, who is also a trustee at the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, appealed to JPs to deepen their community involvement, from visiting lockups to supporting mediation efforts and providing guidance to citizens in need.
“The Bible says, 'Inasmuch as you have done to one of the least of My brethren, you have done unto Me … . I was in prison, and you never visited Me',” quoted Greene. “Spend the time to talk to them, spend the time to help them. It won’t take long, and it’s very satisfying when somebody leaves your presence smiling because you have assisted them.”
Greene nonetheless acknowledged that stigma remained one of the greatest barriers in addressing mental health and dementia. But he challenged civic leaders, faith communities, and JPs to continue to stand as bridges of trust, support, and dignity.
“This is excellent training, and it is good to give back to your community. Mental health is no longer an issue we can ignore. It is both a health priority and a moral obligation,” said Greene.