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Georgetown, Guyana — The Alliance For Change (AFC) renewed calls for comprehensive mental health reform in Guyana, spotlighting lingering trauma from the May 2023 Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire that tragically claimed 20 lives. Speaking at the AFC’s November 8 press conference, senior officials expressed concern about the country’s mental health crisis, with AFC member Colin Haynes describing it as a “silent killer” and emphasizing the need for urgent action and resources.
Haynes highlighted that Guyana continues to grapple with the mental health impact of the Mahdia tragedy. He critiqued the government’s response, which he said fell short in both coordination and professional support, particularly for the grieving families and affected communities. Haynes called for a better-equipped mental health system and a dedicated institution within the Ministry of Health to address the crisis, asserting that current resources and efforts, like the “Gatekeepers” program, are insufficient. “The Mahdia scenario was handled poorly,” he said. “This crisis demands a specialized institution focused on training, research, and quality mental health services.”
The AFC’s mental health reform proposals include a national mental health core that would operate in all 10 administrative regions to provide rapid intervention and support. Haynes recounted recent cases that underscore the urgent need for these reforms, including the experience of a young woman suffering a mental health episode in Yarracabra village, where no emergency services were available. In another incident, he shared, a young security guard took his own life in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, as did a prominent biologist in the Mazaruni region. “Our 911 system is inadequate for medical and civil emergencies, especially for mental health crises,” he said, urging the administration to consider an integrated system for emergency response.
Haynes added that the AFC advocates for the hiring and training of mental health professionals across all regions to work within schools and healthcare facilities. To support better mental health interventions, Haynes said it is critical to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and to strengthen data collection. “By reducing stigma and enhancing support, these reforms will aim to encourage individuals to seek help before reaching a crisis point,” he emphasized.
Addressing Mahdia specifically, AFC member Laura George underscored the need for government accountability, noting that families and community members affected by the fire continue to experience profound trauma. George contended that the government’s handling of the tragedy, including the insufficient mental health response, showed a “lack of responsibility” that has left the community without adequate support.
The AFC pressed for prompt responses to the outlined challenges, encouraging Guyanese citizens and policymakers to focus on long-term mental health solutions. “This crisis needs urgent and comprehensive action,” Haynes stated. “Our reforms offer a pathway to address the root causes of this epidemic, improve access to mental health services, and ultimately save lives.”
