Boy, 11, recovering after attempted suicide

AN 11-year-old Tobago boy is at the Scarborough General Hospital under observation after he attempted suicide on Friday.

Reports said relatives found the boy at his home in distress. He was assisted by relatives and neighbours, who called for medical assistance. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was first on the scene and revived the boy.

In a phone interview on Sunday, Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) director Allan Stewart told Newsday CERT responded from its nearby Moriah base and took him to hospital.

"We responded to a call to provide support. Apparently he attempted (suicide) and there was a challenge in getting transport...He's still in hospital recovering."

Police are investigating.

The Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development offers a confidential tele-counselling service to the public. The division said the service is open to anyone feeling overwhelmed because of depression, sadness, anxiety or any other emotion.

The counsellors are Derick (788-3861) and Sharlene (730-7340) in Tobago West and Karelle (730-7390) and Zeina (684-2596) in Tobago East.