US military donate suicide prevention literature to GDF
The United States (US) military on Wednesday donated a series of literature on suicide prevention in the
US Military’s Liaison Officer, Captain Christopher Hill presents the donation to GDF Welfare Officer, Captain Deon Heyligar
military to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
The books which were donated focus on training standards, Leaders’ Guide to Suicide Prevention and a series of pamphlets and information on warning signs and risk factors of suicide.
The donation was made after a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) conducted by the Florida Army National Guard in early March, saw personnel from the Guyana Defence Force participating in sessions aimed at developing a tactical programme that applies to military operations, regarding suicide prevention and Force resilience.
The US Military’s Liaison Officer, Captain Christopher Hill during the handing over ceremony said that the donation was made by the Military after the SMEE, so as to aid the GDF in preventing and dealing with the issue of suicide which has become more prominent in the Guyanese society.
“During that training there was a lot of new material and suicide is a big issue and we wanted to expand on what was learnt during those sessions,” he explained.
He also stated that the United States Ambassador Perry Holloway has taken it upon himself to ensure that Guyana’s capacity for suicide prevention is improved.
Meanwhile, GDF Welfare Officer, Captain Deon Heyligar in accepting the donation expressed appreciation for the thoughtful initiative.
“This information will go a far way in helping us to boost the knowledge of our soldiers,” she posited.
Captain Heyligar stated that the US Army and GDF share a great relationship, particularly as it relates to information sharing from a welfare perspective.
It was pointed out that the Guyana Defence Force effective suicide prevention requires everyone in the Unit to be aware of the risk factors for suicide and know how to effectively respond to such; and Commanders, Non Commissioned Officers and Supervisors all play an integral part in this regard.
