‘Gone too soon’

Young woman’s apparent suicide prompts call for more mental health support By Anesta Henry The apparent suicide of 23-year-old entrepreneur Ashley Monique Mayers, the second case of a woman apparently taking her life in less than a week, has prompted a call for a national campaign promoting state-funded mental health resources. Mayers, of Lodge Crescent, Lodge Hill, St Michael, was found dead on Sunday night at her shop, Alexsandra Pilé Cosmetics, in Pelican Village, St Michael by a close relative who went to the location after she had not been able to reach the young woman for some time. Police said the family member made the report around 7:30 p.m. and when lawmen arrived on the scene, they found Mayers’ lifeless body hanging. She was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical doctor. As investigations continue into Mayers’ death, Barbadians expressed their sadness in several social media posts, with some remembering her as a vibrant young woman with a bright future and posting videos of her in which she expressed extreme happiness and satisfaction at opening her store in 2021. The Board, management and staff of Export Barbados (BIDC) which manages the Pelican Industrial Estate in which Mayers’ shop was located, issued a statement in which it expressed shock and sadness about the tragedy and expressed heartfelt condolences to Mayers’ family, friends, and fellow occupants of Pelican Industrial Estate. The release stated that Mayers, a young entrepreneur and the brainchild of Alexsandra Pilé Cosmetics located at Shop #26 was a valued tenant and client of the Export Barbados family. “Through Alexsandra Pilé Cosmetics, Ms Mayers manufactured natural skincare and herbal hair care products. In the almost two years she operated her store at Pelican Industrial Estate, Ms Mayers showcased skill in the products she created, which included natural soaps and clay masks, shampoo, moisturisers, and hair oil,” it stated. Chief Executive Officer of Export Barbados (BIDC) Mark Hill added that Mayers was a member of the Export Academy and will be remembered for her entrepreneurial spirit. “Ms Mayers was a creative young lady who had a zest for business; in fact, she opened her first store in 2021 during the pandemic when others were closing their doors. She has left us far too soon. We pray for her family and friends at this time,” he stated. Last Thursday, police issued a statement indicating that officers at the Holetown Police Station carried out investigations into the unnatural death of a 54-year-old woman who was found hanging in the bedroom of her Hartland Road, Haynesville, St James around 6:40 a.m. While the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) offered its condolences to families recently affected by suicide, it also called for a national campaign promoting state-funded mental health resources. Spokesperson Mathew Thorne said it was distressing to witness individuals, particularly young men and women, reaching such a dark place where they believe there is no hope, and resorting to ending their lives. “I urge the Government to prioritise the promotion of state-funded safe spaces where individuals in crisis can seek help. It is crucial to raise awareness about these resources within the public domain, ensuring that people are aware of where to turn in times of difficulty, whether stemming from feelings of inadequacy, loss, financial challenges, mental health issues, or any other struggles,” he said. Thorne suggested that by promoting the idea of seeking assistance as an initial response, people can be encouraged to reach out through phone calls or online platforms. “The power to change begins with a single thought and the requisite action,” he said. He said while the confusion, moral decay and hopelessness in Barbados and, in fact, the world are not generally thought about during the merriment of this Crop Over period, these issues should not be ignored. “In the midst of all the enjoyment, we have our brothers and sisters who are struggling; they are taking their lives. Let us strive to normalise the concept of safe spaces where individuals in desperate need can seek solace. Government promotion through public service messaging would go a long way,” he said. “These spaces can exist within our churches, government departments, or private organisations. Let us not forget: Barbados is not just an economy; it is a society. We must prioritise the well-being of our society alongside economic considerations,” Thorne added. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb ]]>