The Editor, Sir:

Since the start of the year we have heard of a nurse, a policeman, a student and others committing suicide. The sad part is that in most of these cases it is suicide and homicide in one.

The most recent, which I have not seen reported but which I witnessed in part, took place on December 7. I saw policemen retrieve the body of a young man, not more than 20 years old, who committed suicide when he jumped into the Kingston Harbour, more specifically, the section opposite to the Office Centre Building in downtown Kingston. I later learnt that a note was found in his pocket confirming his intention to commit suicide.

Many of us have friends, relatives or neighbours who have problems and we brush them aside when they talk about them. Often after a suicide we hear people saying: "I knew something was wrong", or "You know she said she was sad". We need to be more vigilant in being our brother's keeper.

Islandwide campaign

More importantly, do not brush aside even a child's cry for help as merely that the child seeking attention.

Our Ministry of Health should undertake an islandwide campaign, in this regard, in conjunction with the Child Development Agency and the Office of Children's Advocate and other stakeholders.

It is not sufficient to condemn these acts of suicide or console relatives after the fact. We need to get to the root of the problem fast.

I am appealing to our relevant organisations to act fast, and for my Jamaican brothers and sisters to be more vigilant and respond to any silent cry for help that you may observe.

I am, etc.,

CONCERNED CITIZEN

lusyrams@yahoo.com

Jamaica