Yale University celebrates BVIslander for Black History Month
Virgin Islander Dr Derrick Gordon, an Associate Professor at Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry, is one of the several black members of faculty celebrated for Black History Month.
The university recognised him this month for his research in the mental well-being of vulnerable groups in society.
Dr Gordon is a clinical-community psychologist, and his area of research focuses on increasing the health and wellbeing of disenfranchised communities by bringing interventions and asking research questions that align with community needs and attend to their unique cultural and social experiences.
As part of his work within the department, Dr Gordon also considers how policy-related factors impact the experiences of these groups and seeks to address barriers encountered.
The Associate Professor said while growing up in Tortola, he observed how mental health was not afforded the same level of consideration as physical health.
“I began to think about ways to impact this and make positive change,” he said.
Dr Gordon said one of the most notable challenges he has encountered relates to his research focusing on populations including men of colour.
“There is not a great deal of empathy for the experiences of these groups … To address this, I have been relentless in my efforts, created alliances with relevant community partners, and used my research and interventions to bring the concerns of these groups to the fore.”
His advice is that while “being the only one in the room is a burden and can be at times challenging, creating a supportive network, having advocates, finding your voice, and choosing which efforts best align with your goals are all important as you build”.
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If you have the time and are reading this, congratulations and continue to strive for grater accomplishments in your field. On another note, the VI desperately needs input and advancement in legislation, funding, treatment centers and a PLAN to deal with mental illness! Every government has failed and continue to grossly underperform in this crucial social area. Now the talk of gambling; what is your assessment of the current state of affairs concerning your specialty area here in your homeland? What grade if that were possible would you give to the BVI? I await your comment…
Hi there: Thank you for your kind words and acknowledgement. It is clear that you have great and important ideas about improvements that can enhance offerings within the mental health system in the VI. I understand your question about grade, but I don’t think I can give you an answer that is appropriate, given that I an not fully aware of how it currently operates. I appreciate how you have outlined areas for improvement and upcoming challenges. It is clear that any enhancements to the system will require informed input from community members like yourself and I think that that will be critical if we are to be successful. Looking forward to moving this forward.
I agree with this writer. The social issues in this country are not getting any attention. We need serious and committed people in this area. Let’s offer Dr. Gordon some serious amount of money to head up our mental and social services. These areas are lacking badly. Hon. Malone get on this offer. But then again who will come home from Yale University to deal with all the bull s**t of working in the BVI. People do what they want that’s why we not going anywhere.
Nice going Derrick!
BVI output. We have lots of talented individuals in this country and the Caribbean and it does not matter what industry they are in.
Some are self-determiners, others need encouragement, others are used by the power-hungry leaders and yet, others are put downed and never rise. I hope that those who fall into the 2 latter groups will get help. Those of us who see potential in these 2 last groups of people, please help them. Not everything is about money.
Derrick’s accomplishment goes to show Caribbean, yes Caribbean, people are no dum-dum. We are talented in various ways.
If yo wanna keep a good name keep far from bvi health services
Who is he related to in Tortola,
@inquiring mind. What the heck difference does it make who this gentleman is related to? Just Applaud his accomplishments.
The question remains;
Who is he related to in Tortola@
@ inquring mind, I’m proud and honoured to know that he is related to me and belongs to ALL of us in Little Apple Bay. Derrick, we all went to the beach and rinsed off at the well in Connel bottom. Happy to see that you turned out to be a fine young man. You meck us proud!
He’s my cousin from Old Plantation, that’s between the Bay and Long Look. WE went school together, One of his sister’s teaches in ESHS. Was very quite, haven’t seen him in almost 40 years.
So good to read
Very proud of you Cuz. Keep shining!
Congrats Derrick!!!
Congrats Cuz. It’s Long Look we come from!
He’s my cousin from Old Plantation, that’s between the Bay and Long Look. WE went school together, One of his sister’s teaches in ESHS. Was very quite, haven’t seen him in almost 40 years.
Congratulation Derrick. We educate our masters and you are one indeed. The sky is the limit so continue to touch humanity with the gifts God has given you and He will multiply them. Your mom and father are proud of you. Blessings for the future.
C H Wheatley.
Congrats on your achievements Derick. You have certainly used your BVI growing up experiences. Congrats also to your loving g mom who was always by your side. You always looked out for your sisters, Amy, Alva, Alfreda and the others as you were the older child. You were always respectful and ensured that no matter what, you passed all of your tests, both in Elementary and high school. I always enquire about your progress, do I am not surprised to read this article. Continue to soar.
I was enquiring about you a few days ago and then this showed up. I am so proud of you. Wish I could just see you one more time. Love you so much.
Dr. Almein O’Neal