Psychiatrist Shortage Leaves Justice on Hold in Belize

Belize’s shortage of psychiatrists is leaving some defendants waiting months for court-ordered evaluations and victims waiting even longer for justice. The problem came into sharp focus after Kareem Anderson spent nine months behind bars without receiving the assessment needed to bring his case to trial. With only five psychiatrists serving the public system, officials now say they are trying to recruit more specialists. Britney Gordon reports.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Last month, the release of Kareem Anderson exposed a serious gap between Belize’s mental health and justice systems. Anderson had spent nine months behind bars awaiting a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation that never happened. He was eventually released without standing trial for two violent attacks on women last Christmas. The case highlights a critical gap: courts can order psychiatric evaluations, but the system cannot always provide them. Kolbe Foundation CEO Francis Woods says five inmates are still waiting.

 

On the Phone: Francis Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Kolbe Foundation

“The government assigns their psychiatrist to come to the prison once a month, sometimes twice. They get the orders from the court, and they do that. We get a copy of that and they fill in, as best as they can, to their schedule. They come in, and they check those guys. Now, if there’s somebody, the court sometimes would send us directly an email to make sure or question whether this particular person would be able to get his evaluation done before his hearing on X date, and that’s where we jump in, and we try to make sure that that person gets their test and the evaluation in time for their hearing.”

 

The shortage extends far beyond the prison. Belize’s public mental health system relies on only five psychiatrists, including Belizean specialists and members of the Cuban Medical Brigade. Thirteen psychiatric nurse practitioners support those doctors nationwide. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness, says the government is reviewing applications from additional specialists, including candidates from Mexico and Cuba. Cabinet has also approved an increase in positions for psychiatric nurses and other mental health professionals.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness

“Right now we are looking at some persons who have sent interest. I think we’re speaking to somebody in Mexico. There’s another two persons who we are getting, and I think we possibly may be getting two Cuban psychiatrists, who have sent interest. They are coming on their own, going through the work permit. So I know through the Medical Council, we are receiving those applications. I know the attorney general had taken a paper, which we supported as well, and the ministry had taken a paper for us to increase the vacant posts, to increase the positions for psychiatric nurses and professionals within Belize. And so that was approved by cabinet.”

 

A psychiatrist assessed four inmates last week, but officials have not revealed how long they waited. With prison visits limited, evaluations fall behind and court cases can stall for months. Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley says even defendants granted bail may have to pay for private assessments.

 

Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney-at-Law (File: October 2, 2026)
“For a long time, there have been psychiatrists off and on who are in fact employed to deal with persons at the prison. Because at one time, and it would be good when you get a chance to find out, at one time there were ninety to ninety-two what we call crazy people. There were ninety-two crazy persons who were in the prison in one building. That is like some horror movie. That is a totally unacceptable state of affairs. In fact, there are people who are there for years and years and years.”

 

While fewer inmates are now awaiting evaluations, the central problem remains: assessments do not always happen quickly enough to keep court cases moving. As the Kareem Anderson case showed, a delayed evaluation can eventually mean no trial at all. Woods says hiring even a few additional psychiatrists could help the courts make more informed decisions about sentencing and treatment.

 

On the Phone: Francis Woods

“There seems to be a need for more psychiatrists to do evaluations, so it would be awesome if the country could get a couple more in to help. And it would definitely help the justice system, the courts, in making better decisions on their sentences and possible treatment.”

 

The government says its recruitment drive should also expand access to mental healthcare outside the justice system. The Ministry of Health and Wellness plans to introduce mental health telehealth services later this year, but for defendants already awaiting evaluations, every additional delay keeps their cases and the people seeking justice in limbo. Britney Gordon for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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