Ministry of Education moves to address student suicides

The Ministry of Education is deeply concerned by an emerging trend in the number of students committting suicide and is putting in place a strategy to address the problem.

The Minister of Education, Hon. 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. The Ministry will be mobilizing all its support and counselling resources discuss the issue and possible solutions.  The meeting is to take place today April 12, 2011 at the Ministry of Education.

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.

Issued by: The Ministry of Education