Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions Health and Wellness Unit Promotes Practical Steps to Support Legal and Judicial Practitioners
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – The legal profession is often compared to a marathon, a grueling journey that requires endurance, resilience, and a strong mind. But even the most seasoned runner can hit a wall, and it’s important to have resources and support to help them through it. The newly formed Health and Wellness Unit of the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) has been established to provide just that to justice sector stakeholders. Dr. Osafo Fraser, Special Advisor to the CAJS Health and Wellness Unit, and Ms. Emma Tuletta presented on “Practical Mental Health and Wellness Strategies for Legal Professionals” at the virtual biennial meeting of the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA) on January 28. Both highlighted the importance of addressing mental health and wellness in the legal profession.
According to a study by the World Health Organization, one in four people worldwide will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. In the legal profession, the stress and trauma of dealing with high-stakes cases can take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of legal professionals.
“We know that legal professionals are at a high risk of suffering from mental health issues, such as clinical depression and anxiety, and vicarious trauma. It’s important that we provide them with the resources and support they need to maintain their well-being,” said Ms. Emma Tuletta, head of the new CAJS Health and Wellness Unit.
During the presentation, Dr. Fraser and Ms. Tuletta shared practical strategies for legal professionals to support their mental health and physical well-being. They emphasized the importance of self-care, seeking support, maintaining healthy relationships, and fostering a culture of open communication and understanding in the legal profession.
“Self-care is essential for legal professionals. It’s important that we take the time to engage in activities that promote our physical and mental well-being,” said Dr. Fraser.
The CAJS Health and Wellness Unit aims to promote and support health and wellness among practitioners in the justice sector, including judicial officers, lawyers, law enforcement, and public safety workers. With the launch of this new unit, legal professionals in the Caribbean can access the support and resources they need to maintain their well-being and continue to serve the justice system with integrity and excellence.
Mr. Bevil Wooding, executive director of CAJS, in announcing the launch, stated, “The well-being of legal professionals is essential for the functioning of our justice system. The launch of the CAJS Health and Wellness Unit is part of the Agency’s holistic approach to researching, designing and implementing solutions to support the effective function and resilience of our justice sector.”
Ruggles Ferguson, president of the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations, also praised the presentation by the CAJS team: “The information shared by Dr. Fraser and Ms. Tuletta is much-needed and very relevant to legal practitioners in the Caribbean. I applaud this initiative by the CAJS to focus on such a critical issue for our profession.”
Photo courtesy The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions
