The PPP regime contributed to the suicide syndrome

Jan 21, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
The spike in attempted and actual suicides is alarming. It has reached a crisis and immediate action is needed to address this evil afflicting our nation. The recent spike in suicide (and government inaction) is a national shaming, putting the state face to face with its utter failure in addressing this social evil. The preceding PPP and PNC governments showed little concern to address suicide. It is heartening to read the coalition APNU-AFC government has finally decided to call a stakeholders meeting to address it if indeed their concern is genuine.
While it is understandable why the PNC (1966 thru 1992) did not pay heed to suicides, it was difficult to make sense of the insignificant interest shown by the PPP government (1993 thru 2015) when suicide was a serious problem affecting its support base. The PPP did not even want to recognize there was a suicide problem plaguing the nation and more specifically very high among its own supporters. But that was the nature of PPP governance – neglect of its base (feeling confident they will not abandon ship) that ultimately saw many supporters leaving the party and it being removed from office over arrogant rule perhaps never to return to office again. The behavior of some in the then governing PPP was appalling. The party leadership had/has some chaps more interested in their own lives (personal enrichment and social entertainment) with very little concern for others.
Many a times some of them they would tell stakeholders and volunteers they were busy addressing other social issues, but by six in the afternoon they were at the rum shop with their buddies – that was how some of them were busy. They had very little interest to discuss or find solutions to issues affecting their constituents. And the preceding PNC dictatorship was not any better in addressing matters largely affecting supporters of the PPP. It was virulently anti-Indian. Some of the PNC officials had made it clear that suicide was not a major African problem and therefore not a priority concern for the PNC regime. The fact that the APNU-AFC has publicly recognized the problem and is calling a meeting of major stakeholders is much more than PPP was willing to do. But one must await the action of the government before rendering a fair assessment of its anti-suicide policy and programs. There is no magic bullet to end suicide just like there is no magic bullet to end racism or prejudice. And trying to make sense of a suicide or its attempt is a very onerous exercise. Nevertheless, social scientists and other stakeholders must study (research causes) it and attempt and propose solutions to minimize and ultimately end suicide.
The first step in addressing suicide, just like fighting racism, is to acknowledge its existence that there is a problem, and for now this government is willing to acknowledge there is a national problem. And it has called for a national conversation because of the gravity of the problem. On this issue, it is miles ahead of the preceding PPP regime. But the fruits of this government’s action will be on the seriousness and urgency with which it tackles the problem. It is hoped it will not be another round of lip service like the preceding regime
Vishnu Bisram

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