The Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation in Region Six held a candlelight vigil and walk on Wednesday to mark Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, calling for hope and solidarity in tackling the issue.
Former president Pandit Deodat Persaud recalled the group’s early work during a time when suicide rates in Berbice were especially high.
“There was a time in Berbice when suicide was prominent—almost every single day you were hearing or reading about cases, we were one of the first organisations that started this kind of work. We started on our page that exists here, the ‘ILoveLife’ campaign, without funding we continue to do this activity here, we believe here in the organisation is a very simple philosophy that every life is important,” he said.
Current president Kishan Sugrim urged participants to treat suicide prevention as both a human and spiritual duty.
“When someone feels like giving up, it’s not weakness, it is fear. Our duty as brothers and sisters in humanity is to help ease that fear,” he said.
The event closed with prayers for those lost, those still struggling, and for strength within the community. Organisers said activities like these serve as reminders that no one has to face struggles alone, and that, in their words, “every life is important, and together, there is always hope.”
