Bartica schoolgirl hangs self

Fourteen-year-old Bartica resident Avona Pestano last evening hanged herself on the back fence in her yard.

A neighbour told Stabroek News that around6 pm, she heard loud screams coming from next door. Upon investigating, it was discovered that the second form student of the Three Miles Secondary School had taken her own life. This newspaper was told that the girl had written a suicide note but it is unclear what the note said.

Residents told Stabroek News last evening that the girl has been having some trouble at school recently and had been suspended. Having served her suspension, the girl reportedly attended school yesterday, but showed up without her guardian as was stipulated and was sent home. She was reportedly given a letter to see a school welfare officer.

Residents said the girl lived in trying circumstances and since the death of her mother, was being cared for by her grandmother and elder sister. The grandmother and sister also look after Avona’s six sisters.