Suicide worry grows

GEORGETOWN (AP):Authorities in Guyana say they will soon establish a suicide-prevention hotline to help reduce the number of suicide attempts and deaths in the South American country.

Police Chief Seelall Persaud made the announcement yesterday while noting that more than 40 suicides have been reported so far this year.

Between 150 and 200 suicides are reported annually in the country of 735,000 people, along with hundreds of attempts.

The government has long considered suicide a serious public-health issue and has hosted workshops in collaboration with international non-governmental organisations.