Dear Editor,
Guyana, at one stage, was chastised for being one of the leading nations globally for high suicide rate. In a 2014 report by the World Health Organization, Guyana was cited as a country with 44.2 suicides per 100,000 deaths, four times the global average. Some of the reasons mentioned associated with a domino effect, were identified with ‘poverty, pervasive stigma about mental illness, access to lethal chemicals, alcohol misuse, interpersonal violence, family dysfunction, domestic abuse and insufficient mental health resources as key factors.’
70% of the circumstances were located pervasively in the rural areas as a repercussion, primarily from, frustration leading to alcoholic consumption and the availability of too many rum shops, thus providing a relationship between alcohol and suicide. A 2010 Pan American Health Organization report hinted that, “nearly 80 percent of Guyanese adolescents had their first drink before the age of 14, and some children try alcohol for the first time in elementary school.”
For the period, January to August 2023, Guyana recorded 100 deaths aligned to suicide across the country. For the same period in 2024, there has been a major decline, showing a significant 60% reduction. Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, did make a distinction in observing that, “the absolute number to many other countrie is relatively low, even so we believe that, that is high.” While this is heartening news, it is still sad to note that 40 loved ones are no longer with members of the bereaved families. Hanging and the use of pesticide are still attributes of this dilemma.
During the days of when “Sugar was King,” there was a Welfare Centre on each sugar plantation. The centre facilitated many sports activities in particular for the young generation to indulge in. Cricket was the major highlight, along with football, table tennis, volleyball, darts and weight-lifting. There was the showing of free films on the weekends also. Sadly, society affording these entertaining and sports activities to attract the residents from the rural communities, disintegrated slowly with the prowess of the might of Burnham as he nationalized the industry to be followed by Granger closing four sugar factories.
The call for Welfare Centres to be reestablished in rural societies fitted with sports programmes, libraries and other social proliferation to absorb free time and relaxation, is not a call in vanity nor a voice in a vacuum. Too many youths, both male and female, are engaged in visiting bars and night clubs which are easily accessible in the middle of residential areas as a hide-out! At the said time, inadequate sports grounds also contribute to this stigma. Of note also, is the steady decline in attendance at religious institutions. There is an alarming correlation among these elements factored in the declension of society and deterioration in morality! Not to noticeably escape the observing eyes, is the less rigid enforcement of the law, a deterrent in police proactiveness and lack of initiative from resourceful agencies.
Guyana participated in the observation of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. The Region 3 organization, “Youths on the Rise,” was not to be left out as they held a simple but significant ceremony last Sunday at Leonora. A group of over 30 participants, dressed in yellow and black, gathered by the Market Turn and marched towards the popular Kowsilla’s Park, under police escort. They were enthusiastically vociferous as they shouted “Yes to Life, No to Suicide.”
The programme organized by young volunteers, lasted from 17:30 to 19:30 in the evening and included a display of banners, prayers from all the religious bodies, a minute of silence for the lost ones, relevant songs depicting life and a seminar with powerful speeches by Dr. Ravindra Seepersaud, Dr. Vishal Sarjoo, Dr. Omesh Balmacoon and Ms. Budhoo. The message was clear, ‘the country’s wealth is the human capital,’ and, all efforts should be embarked upon by all agencies in order to sustain its preservation to properly utilize this resource.
Suggestions emanating from the presenters included: Guyanese should be our Brother’s Keeper, make the difference by extending kindness, show empathy and sympathy, lend support by listening more and talking less and being there for a person when the need arises.
As the event ended, candles were lit and placed in the ground in memory of those who gave up in life. Sasha, chairperson for the group, thanked all for showing solidarity by coming out, especially as the organization celebrated its 6th year in existence and service to humanity.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall
