Case Study of Decriminalisation in Guyana - Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide

In November 2022, Guyana took a significant step in addressing its longstanding issue of high suicide rates by enacting the comprehensive Suicide Prevention Bill. This legislation marked the decriminalisation of suicide and represented a significant move towards improving mental health care across the country. This case study reviews the historical context, legislative reform, advocacy efforts, and the subsequent effects of this pivotal change.

Historical Context:

Guyana, like many other nations, had inherited colonial-era laws that treated suicide as a criminal offense. Under the Criminal Law Offenses Act, suicide attempts were punishable by fines and imprisonment. These punitive measures perpetuated stigma and hindered the provision of appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis. The colonial-era laws did not align with modern mental health care principles and emphasised punishment over assistance.

The Legislative Reform:

The Ministry of Health introduced the Suicide Prevention Bill in 2022, which aimed to address the country's high suicide rates and provide essential support to those in need. The bill introduced measures for suicide prevention services, support for survivors, and the establishment of a National Suicide Prevention Commission. This commission would play an advisory role in shaping legislation and regulations concerning suicide prevention and mental health support. It would also oversee the preparation of a National Suicide Prevention Plan, public programs, sensitization and awareness campaigns, and the establishment of Suicide Prevention Centres throughout Guyana.

The bill emphasised psychological support for survivors of suicide attempts and individuals suffering from mental health issues that often went unnoticed. It aimed to provide mental health support for individuals at high risk of suicide and enhance the capacity of primary healthcare providers to identify and report mental health concerns.

“This bill addresses many critical areas, and I believe that it is pertinent at this point in time, because in this country, we are still encountering persons who attempt suicide and self-harm. If persons are to stop… every effort must be made to ensure those persons understand quite clearly that attempting suicide is not a crime, but an appeal for help.” - Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

Advocacy and Stakeholders – The Movement for Change:

A foreign research team, including experts from Columbia University and India, identified the decriminalisation of suicide as a top priority for Guyana. Their efforts, coupled with local advocacy, emphasised that punishing individuals attempting suicide was archaic and counterproductive. The team recognized the need for mental health reform and worked towards creating awareness around the importance of this change.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, expressed the Ministry's commitment to providing mental health support for those at risk of suicide. The Minister highlighted the importance of psychological assistance and training healthcare providers to identify mental health issues like depression. This approach aimed to reduce the risk of suicide attempts by enabling individuals to access critical assistance promptly.

The Onflow Effect of Change:

Policy: The decriminalisation of suicide laid the foundation for comprehensive suicide prevention policies. The establishment of a National Suicide Prevention Commission paved the way for planning, public programs, and awareness campaigns to reduce suicides and suicide attempts.

Mental Health Acts: With the removal of suicide as a criminal offense, mental health promotion and care became a priority across various institutions. Schools, employers, and families benefitted from education and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing suicides.

Crisis Support: The Ministry of Health sought to respond quickly to individuals in crisis by providing mental health support. This approach aimed to address the issue directly and ensure those in need received timely assistance.

Community: The decriminalisation of suicide not only reduced stigma but also fostered a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental health. The political will to remove suicide as a criminal offense signalled a broader commitment to mental well-being.

“This bill contemplates that if people need help, that we will be able to respond very quickly and send a team out to that person, or those persons who need help.” - Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony.

Guyana's decision to decriminalise suicide through the Suicide Prevention Bill represented a transformative step in addressing mental health challenges. The legislation recognised that suicide is not a crime but an appeal for help, reflecting a modern, compassionate approach to mental health care. The subsequent establishment of a National Suicide Prevention Commission and related initiatives marked a significant commitment to reducing suicides and improving the mental well-being of Guyanese citizens. This case study underscores the importance of progressive legislation and mental health advocacy in creating positive change within society.