Animal welfare officer dies by suicide at Brickdam Police Station

An animal welfare officer identified as Trudy Dehaarte died by suicide on Monday morning in the compound of the Brickdam Police station in Georgetown.

Dehaarte is a 48-year-old mother of two who lived at Haslington on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, who was at the scene, described the incident as “unfortunate” but emphasised that police officers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

“They are doing their forensics and other work,” he said.

Benn confirmed that she is an animal welfare officer.

The Health Ministry offers services at its Mental Health Unit at Quamina Street, Georgetown from 08:00hrs to 16:00hrs on weekdays. There is also the recently launched toll-free 655-SAFE (655-7233) hotline through which persons can access counselling services.

If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed and possibly contemplating suicide, please call the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Helpline which operates 24 hours and is organised by the Guyana Police Force. Telephone -223-0001, 223-0009, 223-0818 Cellphone – 600-7896, 623-4444.