‘No more secrets, no more shame’ — Region Five residents march against suicide

By Navendra Seoraj

“YOU have a purpose, don’t do it” was the message that rang out on Monday as students, teachers, doctors and members of the Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) turned out in full numbers in a march against suicide.The march started at Onverwagt and concluded at Fort Wellington and throughout the journey, members of the procession chanted “Prevent suicide, no more secrets, no more shame” and “No more suicides, together we are strong”.

The vibrant crowd sang, chanted and danced during the march

The marchers on their way also distributed posters. It was a lively atmosphere as positive music boomed from the speakers of an accompanying van, revving up the spirit of marchers and attracting the attention of persons nearby.

Guyana has an uncomfortably suicide rate and the Government has committed to doing all it can to meaningfully address the problem.
Monday’s march was another exercise to raise awareness of the plague which has consumed persons from all walks of life, both the well-off and the poor.

Several persons who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle hailed the march as progressive, contending that for the first time there is great unity in tackling the scourge.
They related that suicide is a sensitive matter and lauded the Region Five Administration for their innovation in getting their message across.

One resident told this publication that “life is good, never give up, and never back down. We all have our strains but we must never forget that we are all here for a purpose, and there is no better feeling that conquering a challenge by coming out on top and knowing that you made it through with a fight.”

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said the march was timely, pointing out in recent times, the number of suicide cases in the region has been on the increase.

“This is the beginning of a series of activities which will be geared at targeting suicide prevention, which is expected to kick off very soon,” said Ramphal as he urged the gathering that suicide is not the way to escape their problems.

“All regions should adopt this approach and take a frontline move in battling suicide. The only way to tackle it is a unified and inclusionary approach by all members of society,” he said.