Chair of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Kesaundra Alves told persons at the Society Against Sexual Orientation and Discrimination (SASOD) candlelight vigil last Saturday that there was a need for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Guyana.
The vigil was held on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, under the theme, “Take A Minute, Change A Life.”
“Survivors are crying out loudly for help and will only reach out for support if they feel safe and protected by the laws,” Alves said, while drawing attention to the seriousness of depression and mental illness.
The need for protection and security by-laws and entities to be put in place to assist those battling with depression was evident in the ‘suicide note’ left behind by former Board Secretary of SASOD and human rights and LGBT activist, the late Zenita Temall Nicholson. Founder and Managing Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson read the saddening letter of turmoil and futile efforts to reach out for help, at the vigil.
GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves
In keeping with the theme, members of the gathering took some time to voice their understanding and experiences of suicide. The evening ended with the lighting of candles, a minute of silence for all the lives lost to suicide and a pledge to aid in the prevention of suicide.
With Guyana having the second highest suicide rate per capita in the world, organisations like SASOD seek to assist in the complete elimination of the fatal scourge. In solidifying steps forward, SASOD saw the commencement of work by its first on-site counsellor, who would be available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for counselling sessions.
Through sensitisation and practical observances like this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day vigil, SASOD hopes to facilitate a more serious discussion that would initiate more strategic mechanisms by both governmental and civic stakeholders to address the inequalities, which are at the root of the suicide epidemic in Guyana.
