St. Lucia, previously known as Louanalao and later Hewanorra is a constitutional monarchy nestled in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean. The country boasts a stunning natural landscape, with lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Pitons, twin volcanic peaks that rise dramatically from the sea. Saint Lucia is home to Afro-Creole people famous for their vibrant cultural traditions, including colourful festivals and lively music, such as the island's renowned "soca" and "calypso" rhythms.

Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominations, is the dominant faith in Saint Lucia, but the island also welcomes other belief systems, including indigenous spiritual practices, contributing to the country's unique spiritual fabric.

The legal system in Saint Lucia is Common Law inherited from the colonial-era British Empire. Suicide was a crime at the time, and although decriminalised in England in 1961, it persists in Saint Lucia's Criminal Code, Section 94, which criminalises suicide attempts with a penalty of up to 2 years' imprisonment.

There is some movement towards reform. Recent developments include the establishment of a national mental health helpline (203) to assist individuals harbouring suicidal thoughts. In 2020, the St. Lucian Government hosted a suicide awareness symposium to observe World Suicide Prevention Day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.

Criminalising suicide punishes distress. Decriminalising suicide saves lives.