Police will determine course of action on student’s suicide – Ministry

…tells adults to be mindful of the “blame game”

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has indicated that the Guyana Police Force will be the entity deciding the way forward in relation to the course of action following the investigation of the suicide of a St Stanislaus College student.
The 15-year-old committed suicide earlier this month after an incident at her school. This sparked an investigation by the Education Ministry along with the Human Services and Social Security Ministry and CC&PA.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand has since met with the parents of the child who live in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
On Monday, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry said that the death of the teen is unfortunate and that it must be investigated by the relevant authorities. It added that the Ministry and CC&PA initiated an investigation in collaboration with the Police.
“The CC&PA will share all its findings with the GPF, which has to give the definitive pronouncement on the cause of death and investigation. Suicide is not the way out. It is an unfortunate choice that some resort to, to escape situations/emotions they cannot handle. People who commit suicide should not be judged, as this act is a deep cry for help and may be seen by them as their only way out,” it said.
The Ministry said that the loss is especially hard on the survivors who often question the signs they missed or how they could have prevented it from happening.
The CC&PA has concluded its investigation after speaking with school staff, students and parents. From reports, there was an issue at the school involving the child that required special skills and guidance to deal with the matter. The persons at the school, at the time, apparently tried their best that they knew in the situation.
CC&PA Director Ann Greene also met with the parents of the child, had an in-depth discussion with them and offered CC&PA and the Ministry’s support as they face this difficult loss.
Cognisant that the survivors (family members, classmates and friends) may be experiencing an overwhelming number of complicated emotions, and need support and encouragement, the Human Services Ministry and CC&PA have committed to providing the emotional support and intense counselling required by the survivors.
“There are many factors that can influence a person’s decision to commit suicide, and we are encouraging all involved to be mindful of the ‘blame game’, since this would not change what has occurred and has the potential to fuel further damage. This is a life gone too soon, and understandably, the survivors (her loved ones, fellow students and teachers) are dealing with the trauma of such a loss. What is needed now is compassion for the survivors,” the statement from the Ministry read.
It also added that there is a clear need for more trained counsellors to be readily available to students.
The CC&PA has since conducted a full Zoom session with the children of the city school and has invited them to do one-on-one, in-person counselling sessions with the agency.
During a previous meeting with the student, Green encouraged the children that should they too come across difficult situations in life, using a permanent solution for a temporary problem is never the way to go.
Immediately following the meeting, one student visited the CC&PA and benefitted from a one-on-one session. Greene promised the students that she will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine what really led to the teenage girl ending her life.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of committing suicide, you can seek help from the Inter-Agency Suicide Prevention Helpline through the following: telephone: 223-0818, 223-0009 and 223-0001; mobile: 600-7896 or 623-4444; email: [email protected]; Twitter: @guyanaagency; WhatsApp: 600-7896 or 623-4444; Facebook: Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Helpline.