Investigations ongoing into child suicide at city school

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) has taken immediate steps to provide counselling to students of a city school, following the death of one of their peers.

Minister, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud ensured that urgent care was provided to the students, after a 15-year-old child committed suicide last week.  The CPA has since conducted a full Zoom session with the students of the school and has invited them to do one-on-one, in person counselling sessions with the agency.

“I am very disturbed that a school going child will take her life. We know that the parents are deeply affected by the loss of this child and we would like to extend our deepest sympathies from the Ministry and to offer our support.  

From the moment we heard this, we reached out to the school and her classmates and we provided counselling for those who have been seriously affected. We will work with the parents and all those involved because this is a very, very tough time for them,” Minister Persaud said.

During the meeting with the students, Director of Children’s Services and Head of CPA, Ms. Ann Greene told them that while they may encounter difficult situations, using a permanent solution for a temporary problem is never the answer. Immediately following the meeting, one student visited the CPA and benefitted from a one-on-one session.

Ms. Greene promised the students that she would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. “I gave them that promise and we’ve started the process to find out because you see, she’s gone too soon and there is need for the remaining students to get closure.” The intervention by the Ministry seeks to help the students to cope with the tragedy by providing the necessary psychosocial support. The CPA has already approached the deceased’s family and would be providing counselling for them.