By Ariana Gordon

President David Granger has declared that the time for mourning the high incidence of suicide plaguing Guyana has long gone.

“The time for bemoaning the problem has passed…we need to take concerted action,” the President stated.

The time is ripe for action the Head of State told stakeholders on Wednesday at a National Consultation on Suicide held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

He stressed that “happy people don’t kill themselves” and as such efforts need to be focused on the causation of suicide, noting that the scourge can only be fought if there is an understanding as to why it is occurring.

“I am disturbed as any other Guyanese with the high rate of suicide,” said President Granger, who noted that all stakeholders are in search of answers.

“Successful suicide is rarely spontaneous. It requires careful calculation…a cool head and nerves,” the President added.

He opined that suicide is a “copycat conduct” that aims to attract attention at a national and international level, noting that stories about suicide are widely read.

“…Sometimes there is nothing else you can do that is so spectacular.”

The President, who delivered the feature address, said that suicide should not be taken lightly as it has “deeper roots”. Victims of suicide he said “often dwell in a wilderness of unhappiness, distress” while noting that it is a major public health problem.

“Victims are unlikely to be suffering from simple concerns,” he told stakeholders and emphasised the need for measures implemented to be supported by practical implementation plan. He stressed the importance of investigation and research to determine the causes of suicide before any remedy can be effective.

“There must be information, it must be disseminated…information is important for the police and health personnel…there must be an inclusive approach…suicide is not simply a health problem; it is also a social problem.”

The President added that there is also need for intervention to assist persons with their ability to cope with problems they face. He believes that the success of suicide prevention efforts will help people to understand that a good life is possible for all Guyanese.

He termed the National Suicide Prevention Plan a “bold attempt” to tackle the scourge but warned that “every suicide should be seen as an indication of unhappiness.”

“We must work to find ways to build happy households…provide a good life…persons need to know that help is available, what help is available and what form it (the help) would take,” stated President Granger.

He stressed that suicide is not the solution to the problems that exist, noting that it is a “seductively sparking symbol of an easy exit from depression and despair.”

Guyana has been ranked number one in Latin America and the Caribbean for its suicide rate.