Two more commit suicide in Region Two – the question remains ‘Why’?
Two separate families on the Essequibo Coast is mourning the death of their loved ones as they tragically consumed poisonous substances separately. Dead is 23-year-old Akel Shurland of Adventure and 27-year-old Kaimwattie Persaud of Anna Regina.
According to information reaching INews, Shurland was involved in an accident recently. He crashed into another vehicle and was asked for compensation. He became confused in the process and went home and drank poison. He battled for his life several days at the Suddie Public Hospital after he succumbed.
Meanwhile, Khemwattee Persaud – a worker attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) office at Anna Regina had an heated argument with her husband after which she consumed the poisonous substance. Information revealed she went at a ‘lake outing’ and upon her return she had a confrontation with her husband.
Only recently also a 21-year-old and a 42-year-old father hang himself at Windsor Castle and Golden Fleece respectively, both villages on the Essequibo Coast. The 21-year-old hang himself on Christmas morning, while the 42-year-old father hang himself Old Year’s night in his house. The island of Wakenaam also recorded four more suicide in December, 2015.
INews also understands that a 12-year-old is presently at Suddie Public Hospital battling for her life. She too consumed a quantity of poisonous substance.
With the increase in the number of suicides in Region Two, residents are calling on the coalition Government to implement more programmes and seminars within the Region to educate persons on the issue of suicide. They are of the view that the APNU/AFC Coalition government can do much more to address suicide in the country.
According to residents living on the Essequibo Coast, the Government has the responsibility to do more by providing recreational facilities, youth training\empowerment and employment for young people. They are of the view that the government policies to prevent suicide is not working because more young people are ending their life in very tragic manner as a result of frustration, no jobs, economic problems and domestic violence.
Residents said the Government need to take a serious stand on the social issue of suicide and place the matter on the front burner. Suggestions were made for more professional counseling on the ground.
Currently, Region Two has the highest rate of suicide.
