2 youths, both 20 commit suicide at Suddie

Just days apart

….residents call for more counsellors in Essequibo Coast

Residents of the Suddie Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) have reported that two young persons recently committed suicide in the area, and both incidents were as a result of frustration and the abuse of alcohol.
Alluding to the social ills plaguing the community, those residents are appealing for more counsellors and mental health workers to be stationed along the Essequibo Coast, so that persons can go to them for help.
They pointed out that as recent as November 11, a 20-year-old labourer who had resided in the Suddie Housing Scheme committed suicide by hanging himself. The deceased, Khemraj Philgrim, committed the tragic act in his bedroom, where his body was later discovered by his brother, Mahadeo.
According to information reaching Guyana Times, the deceased, who had been living with his mother Patricia Pilgrim and his five siblings, left home on November 11 to celebrate his birthday with some friends; and upon returning home highly intoxicated, he and his mother had an argument.
Information revealed that the mother is a habitual drinker, and would often leave her children to fend for themselves. After the argument, Philgrim left for his room.
At around 20:30 hrs that night, Mahadeo saw his brother ‘hanging’, and called out to his other siblings, who are younger, and they also witnessed the tragic scene. The police were summoned and Philgrim’s body was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. His body was later transported to the Suddie Mortuary to await a post mortem examination.
Meanwhile, just over a week ago, 20-year-old Aliexi Anthony, a hire care driver, consumed poison. According to information, he also had been highly intoxicated when he had gone home, and he and his father had had a confrontation. When his father went to bed, Anthony reportedly consumed the poisonous substance. He was later discovered by family members.
Suicide has to date been a worrying issue for Region Two. According to data from Suddie Public Hospital, for the period January to November 2017, there have been 38 attempted suicide cases there, with 8 recorded deaths.
The Guyana Foundation under the Sunrise Centre, along with the Caribbean Voice, conducted several programmes along the Essequibo Coast to assist persons suffering from mental health issues. The Sunrise Centre is also open to those seeking counselling. (Indrawattie Natram)