Caribbean Voice Calls for Candlelight Vigils to Mark World Suicide Prevention Day

The Caribbean Voice (TCV) is urging communities across the Caribbean and diaspora to organize candlelight vigils this September in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative,” encourages survivors and families affected by suicide to share their stories in an effort to reduce stigma and promote open dialogue about mental health.

Launched in 2016, TCV’s Annual Anti-Violence Candlelight Vigil was created to spotlight suicide prevention. Over the years, it has expanded to include all forms of violence, reflecting the NGO’s belief that suicide, abuse, and other forms of violence are deeply interconnected.

Alarming Trends

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, or one every 40 seconds. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide.

In the Caribbean, the problem is particularly acute. Guyana has the world’s second-highest suicide rate at 40.8 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Suriname (25.9), Haiti (11.2) and Cuba (10.2). Men are twice as likely to die by suicide as women, though women are more likely to attempt it.

Vigils as Community Action

TCV stresses that vigils are low-cost and easy to organize, requiring only candles, cell phone lights, or diyas. Communities can choose to march, gather for speeches, or include cultural elements such as poetry, music, and art.

Beyond the vigils, the NGO is also encouraging households to light candles or diyas in their windows at 8 p.m. on September 10. Other creative activities include cyclists carrying placards, artists and poets contributing work on suicide prevention, families holding memorials for victims, and activists writing letters to policymakers.

Building a Movement

Organizers say the vigils are designed to do more than mark a day, they aim to strengthen community bonds, encourage activism, and foster collaboration among NGOs and local leaders. TCV envisions the vigils becoming annual events that not only honor those lost but also help communities take ownership of their safety and well-being.