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Herstelling Assemblies of God walks against suicide
Concerned about the high suicide rate in Guyana, the Herstelling, East Bank Demerara Assemblies of God Church has launched a programme to help those on the verge of emotional collapse.
Church members took the streets with their placards urging villagers to stay alive. Pastor Ravindra Shivnandand is at the extreme right (white jersey)
Yesterday, several members of the church, mostly youths under the guidance of Pastor Dr. Ravindra Shivnandand, held a suicide walk through the streets of Herstelling.
It was the first in a series of events by the spiritual body to raise awareness of suicide and to empower people.
Guyana is reported to have the highest suicide rate, per capita, in the world. According to a report in the Guardian newspaper in the UK, there are 44.2 suicides per 100,000 people in the South American nation, compared to the global average of 16 per 100,000.
Dr. Shivnandand, who has been leading his congregation for the past 21 years, told Kaieteur News that suicide has been affecting persons of all religious backgrounds and race. He said that his church has many strategies outlined to assist youths with feeling wanted and to let them know how precious it is to have life.
The church also has a Telephone Helpline that aims to console people under emotional stress and loneliness. Youths and seniors citizens, irrespective of their age, caste or religion, can be the beneficiaries of the helpline. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Many persons looked through their windows and watched from their verandahs as the walk was in progress. Walkers outfitted themselves in yellow, the suicide awareness colour, and displayed various placards and banners that called on people to preserve this gift from God.
“Jesus gives eternal life”, “Life is precious save it”, “Ask for help talk to someone” and “Say yes to Jesus no to suicide” were just a few that were flaunted.
There was also a dramatic piece done by members of the congregation. The piece highlighted the plight of a young woman who took her own life after she felt neglected by her family and friends.
Guyana has recorded more than 10 suicides for this year. Thus far, Region Two has recorded the highest rate of suicide in the country with more than six reported deaths for the year.
The latest person to take their own life was Dinesh Chan, 22, of Reliance Village, Essequibo Coast. He succumbed last Sunday at the Suddie Public Hospital after consuming a poisonous substance.
According to reports, the young man was confused over a prolonged relationship issue and never confided in anyone. He was a dancer at the Swarswattie Dance Academy for the past two years. President David Granger had said that he was concerned about the high number of suicides in Guyana.
The president had said that he will be taking an interest in finding out why so many Guyanese are taking their lives. Guyana’s 2015-2020 National Suicide Prevention Plan has already been outlined.
The church’s suicide hotline numbers are (592) 698-5398, 609-0647, 641-3927 and 614-2656. (Feona Morrison)
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