Hamilton, Bermuda — It was an emotional day at the Mental Health Treatment Court this past Thursday as the courtroom transformed into a space of celebration, healing, and hope. A special graduation ceremony was held, marking not only the journey of one client but a significant success story for the court itself.
Sierra O’Meally, Acting Coordinator of the Mental Health Treatment Court Program, shared her thoughts in an exclusive interview with TNN’s Trevor Lindsay.
“This graduation was personal,” she said with emotion. “Johneika Smith was actually the first client I case-managed when I started. We’ve walked this two-year journey together. Johneika weathered many storms. And honestly, so did I. But to see her reach this point—it was a success not just for her, but for me and the whole team.”
Johneika, met with skepticism by many, including doubts about whether she could complete the program, proved her strength through consistent support and services that helped shift her mindset—and, ultimately, her behavior.
“Johneika’s now a full-time student at Bermuda College, employed, and balancing being a mom. That’s not just success—that’s transformation,”O’Meally said proudly.
•A Program Rooted in Second Chances
The Mental Health Treatment Court offers an alternative path to incarceration for individuals whose offenses are influenced by untreated or unmanaged mental health conditions. O’Meally explained that the program supports individuals who have pled guilty in Magistrate’s Court, but whose offenses are non-violent and non-sexual in nature.
Candidates undergo assessments—including a Short Form Mental Health Evaluation—to determine whether they are both eligible and suitable for community-based treatment and supervision. The program is completely voluntary.
“We allow potential clients to observe the court first,”O’Meally explained. “Because it’s not easy. It takes commitment—weekly court check-ins, accountability, therapy, and constant effort. But if they work it, it works.”
The court sees itself not just as a legal mechanism, but as a collaborative treatment team—with agencies across Bermuda, from MAWI to private groups like Solstice and EAP, working to provide wraparound care.
•Addressing the Stigma, Building a System That Works
While Bermuda has made strides in mental health awareness, O’Meally acknowledges there’s more to be done.
“For years, mental health had a stigma in Bermuda. Many people still see it as shameful. But now, thanks to ongoing advocacy and community outreach, people are realizing that mental health affects everyone—and help is available.”
Although crime, prison, and even court numbers remain low, the needs of current clients are more complex, requiring specialized support and case-by-case care.O’Meally emphasized that now is the time to build out the resources that can respond to those challenges—and the graduation was proof that the system, when resourced and supported, can and does work.
“This client didn’t just stay out of trouble—she turned her life around. She’s not reoffending. She’s engaged in the community. That’s the mission of Mental Health Treatment Court,”O’Meally said. “And that’s what we celebrated today.”
•Looking Ahead
O’Meally noted that the holiday season—between November and April—tends to be a more difficult period for clients, not unlike those struggling with substance use. “The holidays bring emotional highs and lows. People want to feel festive, but it can also trigger setbacks. That’s why it’s important that our program stays vigilant and connected.”
With tears, applause, and a shared sense of purpose, Thursday’s graduation was a moment to pause, reflect, and be reminded of what’s possible when people are given the support they need to succeed.
“This isn’t just about one woman graduating,” said O’Meally. “This is about what happens when a community believes in healing and in second chances.”
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