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Guyanese support sex offenders registry, believe unemployment can drive suicide
DEAR EDITOR,
Guyanese overwhelmingly support the establishment of a registry of sex offenders. This was one of several findings in a poll commissioned by The Caribbean Voice and conducted in June and July. And although most Guyanese seemed unaware that attempted suicide is a criminal offence, they significantly agree that it should be decriminalized.
Other findings include significant support for mandated counseling for all persons with mental health issues who appear in courts to answer charges; all health care workers and educators be mandated to report any and all forms of abuse or suspicion of abuse and all police be trained to appropriately handle abuse and suicide cases.
Below are the stats relating to the poll:
Should government establish a registry of sex offenders?
Yes No Not Sure/No Response
90 2 8
Should attempted suicide be decriminalized?
Yes No Not Sure/No Response
74 8 18
Should all persons with mental health issues in front of the courts be mandated psychological evaluation?
Yes No Not Sure/No Response
88 4 8
Should all health care workers and educators be mandated to report any and all forms of abuse or suspicion of abuse?
Yes No Not Sure/No Response
82 6 12
Should all police be trained to handle abuse and suicide cases?
Yes No Not Sure/No Response
86 4 10
Lack of awareness that attempted suicide is a crime seems to be because the law is not enforced, but survey respondents were very vehement in calling for it to be taken off the books. They also felt that the system is failing those who become suicidal and that significant efforts to prevent suicide have not been made by government.
As well, they believe that suicide is greater among the poorer segments of the population, driven especially by alcoholism and unemployment. Thus they are calling for counseling to be provided free of charge, across the nation, as the charges would become an additional burden on victims.
Many also feel that suicides and suicide victims should not be publicized, since this could also compound the problem.
Unemployment indeed seems to lead to depression and suicidal mindsets, based on TCV’s interactions with many, especially young people, who have contacted us seeking help to obtain jobs. They often detail their struggles with depression and suicide ideation.
While we do refer some to individuals we feel might be able to help, in almost all cases, the help never materialized, in spite of the promises made. TCV is of the view that suicide-wise this is a disaster waiting to happen.
So we are wondering whether there is a mechanism in place that we can refer these persons to access. Perhaps the media can publicize any info relating to a referral system for these young people. Requests have come in from many different regions.
The Caribbean Voice
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