The Bottom – On September 2, 2026, Mental Health Caribbean (MHC) held a festive opening ceremony for its new office on Saba. With this new location, the MHC team now has a pleasant and suitable space to support the residents of Saba with their mental health.
The opening took place at 11 Samuel Charles Street in The Bottom, Saba. All members of the MHC team from Saba and Sint Eustatius were present to celebrate this special moment together with representatives from various organizations on the island and Acting Governor Mrs. Nicholson-Linzey. Representing MHC were, among others, Executive Director Kathelijne van den Boogert, manager for Sint- Eustatius and Saba Jacco Vaders, psychiatrist Niels van Kampen, and manager of operations and property Tom Hunting.
Cassandra Labasti, senior social-psychiatric nurse at MHC on Saba, opened the gathering and welcomed the guests. Next, Executive Director Kathelijne van den Boogert spoke about the importance of high-quality and accessible mental health care on Saba. Cassandra received special recognition for her extra dedication to the new office. Together, the team has accomplished a great deal in a short time to get the new facility ready.
Jacco Vaders, then introduced the team and spoke about the development of MHC on Saba. When MHC began operations on Saba in 2013, there was only one staff member and no office of their own. Today, there is a team of three to four staff members who work daily to provide mental health care on the island.
Acting Governor Mrs. Nicholson-Linzey also addressed those in attendance. She then cut the ribbon together with Cassandra, officially opening the new MHC building. After the opening, guests had the opportunity to tour the new building and enjoy some food and drinks together. The MHC team concluded this special day together at Tropics Café in Windwardside.
With the new facility at 11 Samuel Charles Street in The Bottom, MHC is taking the next step in the development of mental health care on Saba. From this new office, the team can continue its work and further build accessible and appropriate care and support for the residents of Saba.
