Light a candle on World Suicide Prevention Day

Dear Editor,
Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for the traditional annual candlelight vigil to be held to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), The Caribbean Voice is joining with the International Society for Suicide Prevention in the “Light A Candle/Diya” campaign.
This annual initiative urges everyone to place a light – candle, diya or whatever else – near a window at 8pm on September 10 to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and to embrace the survivors of suicide.
Additionally, TCV would be having a virtual observance of World Suicide Prevention Day from 7pm to 9pm on September 10. This programme would include a showcasing of “Light a Candle/Diya” across the Caribbean and North America, and we’re inviting individuals, organisations and households to send us pictures and videos showing them lighting their candles or diyas.
TCV is also encouraging families who have survivors and/or have lost members to suicide to make the “Light a Candle” a family event by connecting on Zoom or any eligible social media platform so all members can light at the same time, probably say a prayer, and engage in whatever else may be deemed appropriate.
The Zoom to FB programme would also include messages from various stakeholders – governments, NGOs, influential suicide-prevention-related music, and information such as suicide warning signs and myths, as well as misinformation about suicide. We’re hoping that line ministers, or their reps throughout the Caribbean; leading regional NGOs that are engaged in suicide prevention; and suicide prevention activists and health care personnel can join with us to send out messages and/or share experiences.
Additionally, TCV is planning two virtual panel discussions on suicide and prevention, among two groups that are not usually focused on: Indigenous communities/First Peoples in the Caribbean, and Caribbean youth. We are appealing to representatives of all Caribbean First Peoples and youth groups to touch base with us, so that they might be included in these discussions which will be held at some time between September 11 and October 10.
Interested persons and entities are requested to touch base with TCV via email at [email protected], or call or what’s app 646-461-0574. Meanwhile, the public can log on to TCV’s FB page, ‘Saving Lives Empowering People’ – https://www.facebook.com/groups/ abuse and suicide prevention – to listen in and comment at 7pm on September 10.

Sincerely,
The Caribbean Voice