Suicide intervention: first greenhouse for Black Bush Polder

SAINT FRANCIS DEVELOPERS LAUNCHES PROGRAMME FOR BBP YOUTHS



The Suicide Programme in Black Bush Polder is progressing satisfactorily since its launch in December 2009. According to the Project Coordinator of RESCUE (Reforming Education Skills and Capacity for Ultimate Empowerment) Jacquelyn Johnson, since the programme was launched, there were four suicide attempts which resulted in two deaths.

Berbice in the Past has been called the suicide capital of the country because of the amount of suicidal deaths recorded. Johnson said the Project is focused on self awareness, motivational skills, capacity building, and counseling. She noted that while the Project would not be able to change everyone at the same time, the community is responding positively to the Programme especially in their participation of its activities.

The Project was launched in Black Bush Polder because the Community is one of the more at risk Community for youths. Johnson noted that some of the factors that lead to suicide attempts are depression caused by feelings of hopelessness, alcohol abuse, family conflicts, and domestic issues. She noted that all these factors are triggered because of the lack of opportunities in the Black Bush area.

The area which is populated by approximately 5,000 people who are engaged in large scale agricultural activity and there is no coping mechanism to deal with their problems which results in suicides. As such, taken all of this into account, Johnson explained, the introduction of the first Greenhouse in the region aims to reverse the prevailing situations by introducing non- traditional farming activity to empower the youths.

Apart from being able to learn how to earn an income and life skills training, they are also able to integrate and participate with fellow young people. Two youths who survived suicide attempts are part of the Greenhouse initiative.