Stakeholders in Barbados are taking steps to strengthen responsible communication on suicide, with a focus on accurate reporting, newsroom accountability, mental health support for media professionals and closer cooperation among communicators and frontline services.
The actions followed a two-day practical training on responsible reporting on suicide hosted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
The training brought together journalists from traditional and digital media, government communications teams, emergency service representatives, educators and mental health professionals. Participants examined how information about suicide moves from first responders and official sources to newsrooms, online platforms and the wider public.
Barbados Police Service Inspector and Public Relations Officer Ryan Brathwaite emphasized the importance of responsible communication by law enforcement, noting that police are often among the first sources contacted by the media. Accurate language, appropriate information and avoiding sensationalism were identified as important safeguards for affected families and communities.
The workshop also highlighted the role of first responders in supporting people experiencing emotional distress. Barbados Fire Service Station Officer Angela Reveira stressed the need for dispatchers and frontline personnel to have the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately and connect people with available support.
Participants identified several measures to turn the training into long-term practice. These include regular training and refresher sessions for media professionals, incorporating responsible reporting principles into the Barbados Community College Mass Communications curriculum and making reporting guidance readily available within media organisations.
The wellbeing of journalists and other communications personnel was also identified as an important priority. Regular exposure to traumatic events and distressing content can affect media workers, highlighting the need for organisations to consider appropriate psychosocial and wellbeing support.
Participants also proposed establishing a stakeholder committee to encourage continued collaboration on suicide prevention, mental health and responsible communication. Training sessions from the workshop were recorded and are expected to become resources for future training and refresher programmes.
Supported by PAHO/WHO through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, the initiative aims to move beyond general guidance and help establish practical, responsible communication practices suited to the Barbados context.
