The father of the late Rashawn Shabazz has called for major changes to the way mental health cases are handled in Antigua and Barbuda, saying the country is failing to address the underlying problems.

Khalid Shabazz told Observer Media that mental health has reached a crisis point, with authorities often offering short-term responses rather than lasting solutions.

He said his son, who had a history of mental health challenges, had been ordered by magistrates to receive treatment at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital on several occasions.

According to Shabazz, Rashawn was later released because the facility was unable to accommodate patients for extended periods. He said his son subsequently stopped taking his medication consistently and later relapsed.

Shabazz said the situation raises wider concerns about the management of people with serious mental health conditions, particularly when treatment is interrupted.

He also criticised what he described as a lack of communication from authorities following his son’s death. A committee has since been established to seek a comprehensive report into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Shabazz said he will continue pressing officials for answers and is calling for long-term reforms to mental health care in Antigua and Barbuda.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Father Calls for Stronger Mental Health Response in Antigua and Barbuda.