Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud has broken her silence on the death of seven-year-old Isabella Dabadial, describing the incident as “sad and heartbreaking” and using the tragedy to issue an urgent call for greater compassion around mental health in Guyana.
Isabella died on Sunday after allegedly being suffocated by her 26-year-old mother at Fyrish Road, Corentyne, Berbice. Her toddler brother survived an alleged attempt on his life, while their mother remains hospitalised under police guard.
In a statement, Minister Persaud said the incident is a painful reminder of how quickly situations can spiral beyond control and of the devastating consequences that can follow when people in crisis do not seek help.
“Apparently the mother did not reach out for assistance,” Persaud noted, while stressing that investigations by the Guyana Police Force are ongoing and that more clarity on the circumstances is expected.
The Minister used the moment to call on Guyanese society to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, urging people to be less judgmental so that those who are struggling feel safe enough to come forward.
“Mental health is fragile for many people, and many times people do not reach out to the health system for help for many reasons. As a society, everyone has to be less judgmental when people do — making it less stigmatized, encouraging more people to seek help,” she said.
Persaud also directed a pointed message to families, urging them to be more attentive to loved ones showing signs of distress particularly in households where children are involved.
“If families know of what’s going on should they step in? Yes. With help? Yes. If children are involved to check on them? Yes,” she said.
She reminded the public that the Ministry of Health has systems in place to address mental health and suicide, and encouraged anyone in crisis to reach out for professional support.
Extending her deepest condolences to Isabella’s grieving family, Minister Persaud called on the public to respond with patience, kindness, and prayer as the country grapples with the tragedy.
The Child Protection Agency in Berbice has since reached out and is offering support to the child’s family at this time.
