Building Stronger Forensic Mental Health in the Caribbean: Stichting Co-operation at the Psychiatric & Psychological Assessment Seminar
Dr. Tasheena Thomas, Director, and Ms. Petty Zoya, Forensic Psychologist, contributing their leadership and clinical expertise on behalf of Stichting Cooperation at the Psychiatric & Psychological Assessment Seminar.
On March 9–10, our clinical team at Stichting Cooperation participated in the fifth edition of the Psychiatric and Psychological Assessment and Report seminar—hosted for the first time in St. Maarten at the Simpson Bay Resort. This two‑day regional gathering brought together professionals committed to elevating the standards of forensic mental health across the Caribbean.
A Legacy of Service and Commitment
For more than 30 years, Stichting Cooperation has served the region as a dedicated substance use treatment center, supporting individuals, families, and communities through evidence‑based care and compassionate intervention. Our longstanding work in addiction services has naturally expanded into broader mental health and forensic support, making continued professional development essential to the quality and impact of our services.
Our participation in this seminar reflects that commitment. Representing our organization were:
Dr. Tasheena Thomas, Director
Ms. Tyanna Knight, Psychologist
Ms. Petty Zoya, Forensic Psychologist
Their involvement underscores our mission to remain at the forefront of clinical excellence and regional collaboration.
Advancing Forensic Assessment Standards
The seminar focused on the growing importance of high‑quality psychiatric and psychological assessments within justice systems across the Caribbean. As cases involving mental health and crime become more complex, accurate evaluations and well‑structured forensic reports are essential for preventing reoffending and ensuring fair, informed decision‑making.
Participants engaged with experts from multiple disciplines through:
Case studies
Jurisprudence discussions
Practical assessment examples
Real‑life forensic scenarios
These sessions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in strengthening forensic mental health capacity throughout the communities we serve.
Bridging Theory and Practice
For our team, the seminar offered a valuable opportunity to deepen expertise, exchange knowledge with regional colleagues, and reflect on best practices that bridge academic theory with everyday professional realities. It reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, especially for organizations like ours that have spent decades supporting individuals affected by substance use and related mental health challenges.
Looking Ahead
As we continue contributing our role in forensic mental health, Stichting Cooperation remains committed to delivering high‑quality care, strengthening regional partnerships, and contributing to safer, healthier Caribbean communities. The insights gained from this seminar will directly support our ongoing work and our mission to serve with integrity, compassion, and clinical excellence.