Bridgetown, Barbados, 3 September 2025 (PAHO) – Youth from Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries (ECC) gathered for an engaging discussion to tackle a challenging topic – suicide – and learn of approaches that can help the situation.
Suicide Prevention: A Conversation with Caribbean Youth was hosted at the PAHO Barbados Office ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, to provide a forum for the youth which prioritized listening, building hope, and mobilizing action to prevent suicide. The forum was organized by Let’s Unpack It and Healthy Caribbean Youth, with the support of The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Giving an overview of the regional suicide situation, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the ECC, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, shared: “In 2021, 100,933 people died by suicide in the Region of the Americas.” She reminded that the situation was one that can be addressed: “It is recognized that suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based, low-cost interventions.”
Dr. Del Riego commented that “reducing stigma and suicide rates by fostering understanding about the far-reaching effects continues to be our goal,” adding that “suicide impacts individuals, families and communities.”
The Most Hon. Dr. Kenneth George, Chief Medical Officer with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, provided the Barbados situation. “Barbados’ suicide rate has been reported as 3.5 per 100,000 population and while Barbados’ rates are considered below the global average, in our estimation one suicide is one too many.”
Dr. George also gave an update on the Ministry’s hotline Lifeline Barbados: “Between February 2024, the date of the soft launch of the helpline, through April 2024 when it was officially launched and up to the end of May (2025), the hotline received 6,572 calls.”
The forum shared solution focused approaches. Let’s Unpack It President Dr. David Johnson, appealed to participants to build strong communities and support systems; be present with friends and family; and seize awkward moments and difficult conversations, as difficult conversations can save lives. This he encouraged in the face of statistics which indicate suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-old youth. In his breakout discussion with youth, Dr. Johnson also advocated for awareness and capacity building, surveillance, monitoring and evaluation.
Stephanie Whiteman, Healthy Caribbean Youth representative, led the gathering on an exploration of the suicide situation in the Caribbean region which has been increasing over the years. She shared the World Health Organization initiative LIVE LIFE, an implementation guide consisting of four key interventions to prevent suicide around the globe. The interventions are to limit access to means of suicide; to interact with the media on responsible reporting; to foster the life skills of young people; and early identification and the support of everyone affected.
Dr. Joy Sue, Consultant Psychiatrist with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, gave an overview of Barbados’ Suicide Prevention Plan to enlighten participants on the Ministry’s approach. While Healthy Caribbean Youth representative, Pierre Cooke, presented on limiting access to means, early identification and support.
All were encouraged to view suicide prevention as a shared responsibility, at the country level and among communities.
