Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony on Thurs-day tabled the Suicide Prevention Bill in the National Assembly which, once passed, will decriminalize attempted suicide and mandate counselling for survivors.
Guyana, for many years, has been on top of the chart for suicides per capita and according to the government, the bill is seeking to provide measures to fight that exceptionally high number of suicides and attempts.
The seven-part bill provides for the establishment of a Suicide Prevention Commission. It will repeal Sections 95 and 96 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act which deals with procuring or abetting the commission of suicide and attempt to commit suicide and Section 202 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act also dealing with attempts to commit suicide.
