The Caribbean Regional Coalition for the Decriminalisation of Suicide has brought together regional CSOs, mental health advocates, policymakers, and other key stakeholders from the Caribbean to address the pressing issue of the criminalisation of suicide. Four countries in the Caribbean (Grenada, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, and Trinidad & Tobago) are among the 23 countries worldwide where suicide remains illegal. This outdated legislation not only criminalises individuals in acute crises but also perpetuates stigma and discrimination, hindering them from seeking help when they need it most.

The coalition’s formation comes at a time when several countries, including Guyana, Pakistan, Ghana, and Malaysia, have made significant strides by decriminalising suicide. These legislative changes help combat stigma and increase the likelihood of individuals seeking support before it’s too late.

“Even though it is uncommon for those attempting suicide to be charged or imprisoned in Guyana, the previous law only added another layer of legal complexity to those experiencing emotional distress from contemplating suicide and needing mental health care. In November 2022, Guyana passed suicide prevention legislation, enacting the decriminalisation of suicide and marking a major step in the country’s move in improving the mental health of the population.” Dr. Timothy Morgan, Director, Mental Health Unit: Ministry of Health (Guyana)

The coalition aims to advocate for legislative reform and raise awareness about the importance of decriminalisation of suicide as a mechanism to reduce barriers to help-seeking and ensure that crisis support lines and mental health services within the Caribbean can operate without fear of legal repercussions, and, ultimately, save lives.

“We hope to collectively come together and collaborate so that we can make an actual impact.” Emily Anna Bachan Youth Representative, UNICEF Eastern Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago.

The coalition will also work to garner support from regional and international partners.

The launch included a series of opening remarks from representatives of international organisations, experts and policymakers such as Guy Fones, Cross-cutting Lead, NCD Strategy at WHO; Dr. Margaret Chatoor, Co-Chair, International Association for Suicide Prevention; Bertrand Moses, Child Protection Officer – Mental Health and Psychosocial Support at UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area; Dr. Taiwo Sheikh, Professor of Psychiatry, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Africa Continental Representative, Lifeline International; Gamini Manuweera, Consultant — Regulatory Outreach at the Center for Pesticide Suicide Prevention; and, Maria O’Brien, Co-Founder of Mindwise Trinidad and Tobago.

This was followed by:

• The presentation of a regional strategy for collective advocacy to decriminalise suicide in the Caribbean region
• Presentation and launch of various subcommittees of the coalition 
• Commitment by participants from the four countries to convening key national stakeholders and drafting national advocacy strategies on decriminalising suicide in their respective countries. 
• A strong willingness by meeting participants to join the coalition and work together to reform outdated colonial legislation that restricts access to mental health support for those most in need. 

The meeting also issued a clarion call towards the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental health in 2025 aligning the goal of complete decriminalisation in the Caribbean until then. 

“This coalition signifies a great first step in moving the Caribbean towards addressing suicide through a public health lens.” – Desarie Nicholas, Co-Chair of the Caribbean Regional Coalition for the Decriminalization of Suicide, Grenada

“I hope to do more than just change the law. I want us to work towards destigmatizing suicide and clearing up any misconceptions about suicide ideation and behaviour in the process. Additionally, I aim to use my platform to increase access to and awareness of mental health services.” – Leon Cherry, Co-Chair of the Caribbean Regional Coalition for the Decriminalization of Suicide, St. Lucia

Suicide remains a significant public health concern; more than 703,000 people die by suicide every year, with 77% of these deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. Criminalisation of suicide is also associated with higher suicide rates in lower and middle-income countries, especially among women.  Suicide is heartbreaking for the loved ones left behind and represents a tragic loss of human potential. 

Several regional and global initiatives seek to counter this, including:

• The 2023 Bridgetown Declaration adopted by SIDS members, which, for the first time, includes a commitment to decriminalise suicide. 
• The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) which prioritizes reducing suicide rates. 
• The WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 calls on Member States to work towards a one-third reduction in their national suicide rates by 2030. Target 3.4 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is dedicated to reducing suicides. Achieving this goal requires cooperation from a range of parties, such as health ministries, community organisations, individuals with lived experiences, religious leaders, mental health experts, healthcare workers, legislators, law enforcement, the judiciary, and more. 

The decriminalisation of suicide is a crucial step in implementing effective, country-specific suicide prevention strategies. It is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting good mental health for everyone.

For more information about the coalition and its efforts to decriminalize suicide in the Caribbean, please contact: 

David Johnson, M.D., President and Founder, Let’s Unpack It Inc., and Co-Chair, Caribbean Regional Coalition for the Decriminalization of Suicide

 

1 (246) 240-1310

csdcsecretariat@gmail.com

Aastha Sethi , Senior Officer, Rights at United for Global Mental Health. Email: aastha@unitedgmh.org 

 

Join the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN) Suicide Decriminalisation working group here.