Guyanese purchasing tickets to Kaieteur Falls must be accompanied by at least one person

Dear Editor,

Yet another suicide at Kaieteur Falls. A very sad situation in Guyana with all these suicides being committed by young people. There needs to be a national discussion on why there is so much apparent hopelessness among our youth and what can be done to stem this growing phenomenon.

While we are all saddened by this senseless taking of one’s own life, we must also be concerned about the image being created of our internationally famous tourist attraction- Kaieteur Falls- as a suicide destination for distraught locals. Many might not agree with me but this could have a negative impact on our tourism.

Imagine a family with young children having to experience someone taking their own life by jumping off the Falls. Such an experience could leave scars for life.

I would like to recommend for discussion and consideration that airline/excursion tickets to Kaieteur not be sold to a single individual not holding a foreign passport. In short, Guyanese purchasing tickets to visit Kaieteur must be accompanied by at least one, or perhaps two other persons.

This is certainly not the solution to the suicide problem in Guyana but may reduce the incidence of such senseless acts at our top tourist attraction.

And for those phantom bloggers on the Stabroek News web site, let it be noted that I said I offer this suggestion for discussion and consideration.

Yours faithfully, 
Wesley Kirton