By Johnathan Paoli
The Sports, Arts and Culture Department has officially terminated the Silapha Wellness Intervention Programme following a ministerial directive and internal investigation into the project’s effectiveness and financial accountability.
Minister Gayton McKenzie, who has been vocal about redirecting resources toward high-impact programmes, ordered the shutdown after raising concerns about the transparency and measurable outcomes of the initiative.
“We should be intentional about our plans and know how we will respond in these cases, to offer our athletes and creatives the kind of practical support that’s needed, when it’s really needed,” Minister McKenzie said.
The decision signals a shift in how the department intends to support artists and athletes, particularly in times of distress and hardship.
Launched three years ago, the programme was designed to provide mental health support, financial counseling, grief assistance and performance anxiety services to the country’s artists and sportspeople.
It included access to 24/7 counseling
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