Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says suicides are a national crisis which until now – we have ignored as a society.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama opened the Fiji Principal’s Annual Congress where he spoke at length about our need to respond decisively to the problem of suicides.

According to Bainimarama, it’s a shame that we are only now starting to acknowledge suicides as a crisis and and taking measures that should have been put in place years ago.

“Fiji is a caring nation. We pride ourselves on looking out for each other. Looking after each other. But this crisis of child and youth suicide is happening in spite of that. And at every level of Fijian society, I appeal for an urgent and decisive response. And a more sensitive and understanding approach.”

Talking directly to school heads, Bainimarama called on them to make it a priority to identify children who are at risk. They may be struggling because of pressure at school or at home.

He’s also suggested a mentoring program to help vulnerable children.