KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica government, worried at the emerging trend in the number of students committing suicide, is planning to introduce new strategies to deal with the problem.
Education Minister Andrew Holness has directed the Ministry, including guidance officers, and various education stakeholders to increase their awareness and surveillance to identify and intervene in cases of emotional crisis where suicidal tendencies may be suspected.
An official statement said the Ministry will be mobilizing all its support and counselling resources discuss the issue and possible solutions with a meeting with stakeholders today.
The meeting follows the recent suicides of 14-year-old St James High School student Shaquilla Calame; Annalise Authurs, a Grade 8 student of St. James High School and 15-year-old Tia Murray of Godfrey Stewart High.
There have also been reports of unsuccessful attempts by students to commit suicide, the Ministry of Education said in a statement. (CMC)
