CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Mar 16, CMC – The St. Lucia government Wednesday said it remains deeply perturbed by the recent spate of suicides with the latest occurring in the south of the island on Monday.

Acting Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, has reiterated concerns over the emotional and mental state of citizens experiencing depression and other ailments, which have been proven to significantly contribute to suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

“To this end, the government of St Lucia continues plans to intensify its engagement civil society to find solutions to the rising incidents of suicides,” Pierre said.

In a recent interview, Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony remarked that the country needed to identify persons who are in distress in the various communities.

“We have to reach out and touch them and, somehow, see whether we can offer them the opportunity to share their pain, their anger and distress, dissuade them from taking that tragic solution.”

Pierre urged his countrymen to utilize the National Health Service helpline adding that the government extend condolences to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones.

In the latest incident, police said the body of 56 year-old, Ceasarius Bailey of Augier, south of here, was found at his home with a bottle containing what appeared to be a poisonous substance found nearby.

A post mortem to determine the cause of death will be carried out on Wednesday.