Caribbean Voice launches suicide prevention campaign

New York-based NGO the Caribbean Voice (TVC) has reaffirmed its support for suicide prevention with the launch of its ‘Me…My Self Esteem’ campaign on Friday last.

Under the theme, ‘Suicide is everybody’s business,’ the campaign will focus on identifying the root causes that contribute to suicide locally and formulating appropriate strategies to combat this.

Speakers at the event included Managing Director of TCV Bibi Ahmad, reigning Miss Guyana Universe and local suicide prevention activist Lisa Punch, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy Bobby Adelson and Ministry of Public Health representative Leslyn Holder.

Ahmed said TCV had been “playing around” with the idea for the new campaign for some time now, adding that it was particularly important to her since she had once thought about taking her own life. The campaign will be appealing to stakeholders to become more involved in activities relating to suicide prevention with special emphasis being placed on not only raising awareness but also on coping skills and prevention strategies, collaboration and ongoing activism.

Holder noted that suicide in Guyana needed to be addressed, since more occurrences are being reported as time progresses. She pointed out that suicide prevention is not only a government responsibility, adding that the responsibility also falls on the shoulders of citizens as well.

Punch urged the audience to be their brother’s keeper, particularly since most persons are unaware of the signs of depression or suicidal tendencies that may be expressed by those who suffer with mental health conditions.

Adelson noted that although the topic of suicide is a difficult one, it is one that must be discussed while issues surrounding suicide should be addressed with the use of a collective approach to the problem. “Suicide is not just a Guyanese problem; it is not a Caribbean problem nor is it not an American problem. It is a global issue that can only be tackled collectively,” he said.

And while suicide may be a major problem here in Guyana at present, he stressed that it does not mean that it has to continue being a problem.

On this note, Adelson extended a reassuring hand of support on behalf of the US Embassy. “The United States of America remains committed to working along the Guyanese Government and civil society to address the underlying societal problems that lead to depression and thoughts of suicide,” he said

Reference was also made the current Skills for Knowledge and Youth programme (SKYE) that is being conducted by the US Embassy as a tool in offering empowerment to at risk youth who, he said, are often times more susceptible to suicidal thoughts.

According to Adelson, further assistance will be given by providing training to local NGOs working on issues of mental health and suicide. “We must lead people to a path of hope rather than despair. It is a shared responsibility that we are all capable of answering for that call of duty; it is truly a matter of life and death,” he said. Apart from the campaign, TCV said it plans to engage secondary school students in an essay competition during the second part of the year. This would be done with the intention of raising awareness on suicide prevention among teens. Additionally, the group plans to host its second annual Eldorado Awards where recognition will be given to those advocates and activists for suicide prevention while fostering networks between organizations. This event is said to be tentatively set for July.