” A staggering drama unworthy of a modern country, and which unfolds in the most culpable silence”. This is not a comment on an armed conflict, but a terrible observation concerning one of our departments.
It is drawn up by the senator of Seine-Saint-Denis Aline Archimbaud (Europe Ecologie Les Verts) and the socialist deputy of Ille-et-Vilaine Marie-Anne Chapdelaine. In a report submitted to the Minister of Overseas, these elected officials denounce the situation of Amerindians in the south of Guyana. The suicide rate among young people is between 10 and 20 times higher than in France.
The causes of the tragedy are multifactorial, notes the daily France-Guyane. Geographical isolation, identity problems, idleness, the feeling of abandonment or humiliation push this young generation into alcohol, violence and suicide.
The infrastructures are often remote and unsuitable. “Only 32% of children have access to a school canteen. In some areas, there are none. Children go to school in the morning with nothing in their stomachs, and don’t even have a midday snack,” warns Aline Archimbaud in her report.
Concentrated on the coast, the supply of psychiatric care does not correspond to the specificities of this community. “It’s very hard to be a doctor there. You need a real commitment, to be an activist in humanism,” adds the senator.
To curb this surge in suicides, the parliamentarians propose in particular to develop a community health program that encompasses mental and physical health and the fight against addictions. The Amerindian populations wish to participate in the development of these measures aimed at better access to public services. “Where Ariane and Soyuz rockets are launched, notes Aline Archimbaud, there is no permanent access to electricity and telecommunications. »
The government must propose a Pact for Guyana incorporating these proposals. It will be debated by the new local authority next January.
