On 16 Nov., the Caribbean Haven Residential Centre celebrated 25 years of providing substance abuse treatment and recovery for adults in the Cayman Islands.
When Caribbean Haven was opened in Breakers on Grand Cayman by former Minister of Health Anthony Eden in 2000, the island’s treatment landscape for substance misuse was limited. The decision to establish a dedicated residential facility for both men and women recognised the pressing need for a safe, structured environment where individuals could begin rebuilding their lives.
Prior to the opening of the Department of Substance Abuse Services and Caribbean Haven, people with substance misuse issues were sent for treatment overseas.
“However, it was recognised that those arrangements were woefully inadequate to address the complexities of the needs presenting in our clients and their families,” said Director for the Department of Counselling Services Judith Seymour, adding “For long-term transformation to take place in their lives, it would be critical to offer treatment to persons within their own environments.”
Evolution over the years
Initially offering an integrated co-educational residential programme that was three weeks in duration, Caribbean Haven later evolved to meet the distinct needs of men and women, and as recommended in a 2006 review of services, adopted a therapeutic community approach to offer habilitation and rehabilitation to its residents. By 2008, a dedicated women’s unit was established, providing a tailored space for recovery in response to local demand and expert review.
Today, Caribbean Haven operates as an agency within the continuum of services provided by the Department of Counselling Services, alongside The Counselling Centre and the Family Resource Centre. It provides non-medical withdrawal management and long-term residential treatment for adult men and women residing in the Cayman Islands who are living with substance use disorders and often co-occurring mental health concerns.
Key milestones for Caribbean Haven over the past 25 years include:
• Opening of the 6-bed dedicated women’s wing to fill a gap in care for women.
• Establishment of annual Recovery Month celebrations featuring community education, donation drives, family fun days and outreach aimed at reducing stigma around substance use and mental health.
• Ongoing review of community needs, followed by rigorous programme enhancement, based on evidence-based practices and through data-driven programme development measures to ensure that services best meet the relevant needs of the clients seeking care.
• Establishment of a smoke-free environment within CHRC to more meaningfully support the health and recovery efforts of residents.
Minister for Health, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said: “In marking 25 years of Caribbean Haven Residential Centre’s establishment, we reaffirm our commitment under the Misuse of Drugs Act to ensure evidence-based residential treatment, prevention and rehabilitation for all those affected. The work of both the CHRC is essential in operationalising our responsibilities in education, prevention, awareness and treatment of substance misuse. This milestone underscores our unwavering resolve to build a healthier and more resilient Cayman Islands community.”
Kimberly Febres, clinical supervisor for Caribbean Haven Residential Centre, said: “Caribbean Haven’s services are crucial, providing a safe space where people can focus on recovery, healing, and personal growth to build satisfying lives as healthy members of the Cayman community.”
To commemorate its anniversary, Caribbean Haven partnered with the National Tree Planting Programme to create a ‘Hope Garden’ on its Breakers campus. Each tree represents the flourishing recovery journeys of residents, symbolising Caribbean Haven’s commitment to the individuals and community it serves.
Related Videos
