MMHA Lantern Light concludes with message of hope and support

GREAT BAY--The Men’s Mental Health Awareness Foundation (MMHA) successfully concluded its 4th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Lantern Light on Friday, September 25, 2026, under the theme “Hope Is REAL.”

The evening brought together members of the community for remembrance, reflection, shared testimonies, words of encouragement and moments dedicated to those who have been affected by suicide, as well as people who may currently be struggling with their mental health.

The Secretary of the MMHA Foundation officially opened the evening with remarks centered on the theme “Hope Is REAL,” emphasizing that hope can remain present even during difficult periods. Attendees were encouraged to choose compassion, empathy, connection and support, with the message that hope is not simply an idea, but something that can be strengthened through honest conversations, community support and a willingness to stand beside people who may be struggling.

Students from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine also contributed to the program. Sahil Malhotra, Shelby VanHeel and Mary McFarlin shared speeches, reflections and a tribute that added to the meaning of the evening and reinforced the importance of continued awareness and support surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.

One of the most personal moments of the evening came from Jamie-Lee Peterson, a mother who shared her lived experience and spoke openly about her journey through recovery and healing. Peterson encouraged parents and loved ones to check in more frequently, show love to their children and create environments where people feel safe enough to speak about what they are experiencing.

Peterson also shared that since the situation occurred, the event marked the first time she had been able to speak openly about what she experienced. Her decision to share her story publicly was recognized as an important and courageous moment during the program.

As a gesture of appreciation, MMHA President and Founder Ahmad “Ahmiie” Gumbs presented Peterson with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for using her experience to encourage others and for her willingness to support people who may need someone to walk alongside them.

Gumbs later delivered the keynote address, also titled “Hope Is REAL,” in which he encouraged the community to practice greater compassion and empathy while stressing the importance of simply checking in on the people they love.

He reminded people who may be struggling that they are worthy of love, worthy of support, worthy of being heard and, above all, worthy.

The message underscored that suicide prevention cannot be limited to one event, one organization or one month. MMHA stressed that prevention requires ongoing conversations, awareness, compassion and the willingness to recognize when someone may not be okay.

As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to an end, the Foundation is reminding the community that the conversation must continue beyond September. MMHA is encouraging people to continue practicing empathy and compassion, checking in on loved ones, creating safe spaces for honest conversations and speaking openly about mental health.

The Foundation said a simple question such as, “How are you really doing?” can sometimes open a door that a person may have been afraid to open on their own.

The awareness campaign also received visible support from across St. Maarten, with several landmarks and organizations illuminating buildings and structures in teal and purple, the colors associated with suicide prevention awareness.

Among the locations that participated were the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en St. Maarten, Princess Juliana International Airport, Fort Amsterdam, Fort Louis and the Causeway Bridge. MMHA expressed its appreciation to the organizations and locations that participated and helped broaden the reach of the 2026 awareness campaign.

Gumbs also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the initiative and stood alongside the Foundation in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. MMHA said it looks forward to continuing those partnerships and conversations throughout the year.

The Foundation extended special thanks to the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en St. Maarten, Princess Juliana International Airport, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Collectivité de Saint-Martin, Port St. Maarten, the Fire Department of St. Maarten, Divi Little Bay Resort, SOS Radio, Philipsburg Broadcasting, Be The Change Foundation and Nature Foundation of St. Maarten.

MMHA also thanked every person who contributed through sponsorship, volunteering, participation, sharing the message, offering encouragement or simply attending in support of the cause.

The Foundation said the next chapter is already being planned, with the 5th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Lantern Light scheduled for September 24, 2027.

MMHA said the milestone event will continue its commitment to remembrance, awareness, education, support and hope, while encouraging the community throughout the year to keep checking in, keep listening, keep talking and keep showing compassion.

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