Guyana Learning Institute hosts suicide symposium

The Guyana Leaning Institute (GLI) on Sunday hosted a one-day suicide symposium at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) in Kingston, Georgetown.
Scores of mainly young participants attended, and at the end of proceedings received certificates for their participation in the event. The GLC Principal, Opposition Parliamentarian Ganga Persaud, called for more programmes to be implemented to tackle the scourge of suicide, as he observed that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Guyana.
Jennifer Persaud gave an overview of the various forms of suicide and their accompanying statistics. She noted the high numbers that relate to Guyana, with latest reports indicating that one person attempts suicide every 5 hours in Guyana.
It was also highlighted that between 1,500 and 2,000 persons attempt suicide each year in Guyana.
This country currently ranks fourth for highest suicide per capita, and has the highest rate among people in South America and the Caribbean. Persaud iterated that the male suicide rate is higher than that for female. She highlighted that suicides are frequently attempted by age groups 12-18 and 9-25.
Other speakers underscored how suicide affects wide sections of the social classes.
The participants also gathered in four groups and engaged in spirited discussion, and two presentations on suicide-related issues were followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Sheila Veersammy. A representative of the Caribbean Voice was also present at Sunday’s symposium. A similar exercise was held in Berbice on Sunday.