Baramita Takes Action: Confronting Suicide Through Culture, Conversation, and Care.

Georgetown, Guyana- In the remote community of Baramita, Region 1, where life moves to the gentle rhythm of tradition, residents from Baramita, Arakaka and Matthew's Ridge recently gathered for a conversation with deep significance for all. For two days, mothers, fathers, elders, and young community workers came together-some after long journeys over difficult hinterland roads-to confront a painful and persistent reality: suicide. The Ministry of Health, Mental Health Unit, and PAHO coordinated a workshop in February 2026, led by mental health professionals Lorelai Kanhai, Selena Razac, Arshia Singh, and Dr. Mark Constantine. The workshop created a safe space to explore grief, survival, and resilience. While the facilitators brought technical tools and structured learning, the most impactful moments emerged from the villagers' own testimonies, which revealed both the cultural complexities and the human toll behind the statistics.

One of the workshop's most sobering insights was the presence of suicide methods unique to Region 1. Unlike other parts of Guyana, where pesticides like paraquat remain the primary concern, participants believe that Baramita faces a challenge woven into its cultural identity: hammocks. The ropes that hold them-simple, essential, and ubiquitous- have become common instruments in fatal attempts, making restriction nearly impossible. Community leaders spoke openly about the heavy role alcohol plays in fueling violence, conflict, and impulsive acts, while highlighting troubling issues within households.

Yet despite the emotional weight of these discussions, the workshop was marked by hope, commitment, and a genuine desire for change. Some participants spoke only Carib, others were bilingual, but all engaged eagerly, practicing how to identify warning signs of suicide and respond compassionately to those at risk. Even with varied literacy levels and logistical challenges, their dedication was evident. Thirty-seven participants completed the training, leaving not only with certificates but with newfound confidence and skills. Before closing, the group made a heartfelt request: future training should be delivered in both Carib and English to better reach their community. They also asked for quarterly monitoring to ensure the knowledge gained translates into real impact. As the facilitators departed and villagers returned to homes where hammocks sway softly in the evening breeze, one truth was clear: Baramita is moving from silence to strength, learning not just to grieve together, but to protect and uplift one another.

PAHO/WHO will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in this area of suicide prevention and control.