“Some 346 suicide cases have been recorded in Jamaica for the period 2021 -2026, with the numbers moving from 49 in 2021 to a high of 67 or an increase of 36.7 per cent in 2024. Thus far this year, there are 42 cases.

 These figures were presented by founder and president of Choose Life International (CLI), the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to suicide prevention, Dr Donovan Thomas, who was providing statistics from ‘Recorded Police Case Data,’ as he announced activities for World Suicide Prevention Day, which will be observed on Thursday, September 10, 2026. 

 Dr Thomas said that “The 42 cases recorded for 2026 comprise 37 males and five females, which is consistent with the higher male-to-female ratio that we have seen over the years.” He also noted that 24, or 6.9% of all cases, involve persons under the age of 18. “While this may appear to be a small number, it should be of concern to every parent and in fact, every member of our society. There needs to be ongoing discussion on suicide prevention and continuing public education, not to alarm but to equip members of our society at every level to deal with stressful situations and emerge on the other side better able to manage the challenges of daily living.”

He added, “With a recent news report indicating that 32.4 per cent of grade nine girls, 21.8 per cent of grade eight boys and 21.5 per cent of grade ten boys attempted to end their lives since this year, the importance and urgency of helping our children cope, identify those who are struggling, and intervening before another young life is lost, cannot be overstated.”

This, he said, is what has motivated CLI to choose as its theme, “Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen, Let’s Prevent Suicide,” for the annual seminar that will again be held at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston on Thursday, September 10, 2026.“

“We believe that even one suicide is one too many. With so many influences from online and other sources, we must make every effort to provide information, decrease the statistics and encourage a more positive outlook. People must know that there are alternatives to taking their own lives,” Thomas said. 

As is customary, several experts, including keynote speaker and Clinical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Services Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Dr George Leveridge, are scheduled to make presentations at this year’s event. Other speakers include Suicide Prevention and Trauma Intervention specialist at Fordham University and Lehman College, Bronx, New York, Dr Roger Ball; President, the Jamaican Psychological Society, Dr Paul Smith; Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Josef Thomas; Licensed Mental Health & Professional Counsellor, Professor Janelle E. Titus; and President, Jamaica Psychiatric Association, Dr Brian Kazaara 

The seminar, which is being presented in association with the International Association for Suicide Prevention, begins at 8:30 and ends at 4:00 p.m. It is sponsored by Jamaica Broilers Group, JMMB – Joan Duncan Foundation, the Jamaica Institute of Financial Services (JIFS), Hawkeye, Orion Insurance Brokers, National Health Fund (NHF), Barita Foundation and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information (MoESYI).