PUBLIC Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings said the newly-launched psychological programme at the University of Guyana (UG) will help in a significant way to remove the stigma and discrimination attached to suicide.

She made the remarks at a one-day symposium on Suicide, Youth Violence and Professional Psychology held at Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown on Thursday, that attracted scores of professionals in these areas.

The forum sought to address the issue of suicidality, youth vulnerabilities including risky, criminal, dysfunctional and self-harming behaviours.
Information garnered would be used in the formulation of a national strategy that would guide the work of the Mental Health Unit, to be established at the Public Health Ministry.
Minister Cummings told the gathering that disorders can devastate families but with psychological intervention most of the problems could be solved.

The Public Health Ministry has established a hotline to help families cope with depression and it is in the process of launching a suicide prevention website.
Behavioural Science Professor at UG, Paloma Mohamed said the gathering of psychologists locally and regionally will provide an overview of the different types of psychological practices and interventions, to specifically deal with issues such criminality, suicide and violence.

The symposium was also addressed by Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu Krow; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Deputy Representative Paulo Marchi; Caribbean Network of Psychological Associations (CANPA) President, Professor Omowale Omuleru Marshall; UG Vice Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith; and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Engagement) Professor Michael Scott.