If you would like to contact us about participating in a country program, please use the Get Involved form. If you'd like to find out about Lifeline International, you can visit their Media Centre. And if you'd like to comment on or correct information presented in this website let us know via the form below.
Select an Inquiry Type
Trinidad and Tobago
Stakeholder Type

Trinidad and Tobago

en
en

Country Profile

Trinidad and Tobago

Become Involved
Are You In A Crisis Right Now?

Is Suicide Decriminalised?

Has the country decriminalised suicide, with clear legal frameworks and policy positions?

No

Are Crisis Lines Available?

Is free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline available? Status provided by find a helpline.

Yes

National Suicide Prevention Strategy?

Is there a national suicide prevention strategy, such as from the WHO, and does include decriminalisation, if known?

Uncertain

Population in Need of Support Per Year

Based on the WHO likely attempted suicide rate.

As a calculation of population size against suicide rate

Strength Of Support (Local Qualitative Assessment)

Political Support

Civil Society Support

Religious / Cultural Support

Legislative Activity

Suicide Rate Per 100K Per Year, all Sexes (SDG 3.4.2)

per 100,000
WHO 2019 for SDG 3.4.2. Global average 1 per 100,000

Suicide Deaths Per Year (By Population)

per annum
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate

Trinidad and Tobago, officially known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is located in the southern Caribbean Sea. These two beautiful islands offer a rich cultural tapestry with influences from African, Indian, European, and Indigenous traditions. Calypso music, known for lively tunes, comes alive during carnival, a colourful and spirited celebration with elaborate costumes and vibrant parades.

Christianity is the largest religious community with a lively mix of Evangelical, Baptist and Roman Catholic denominations and vibrant Hindu and Muslim communities. These major faiths intermingle with traditional Caribbean spirituality and indigenous beliefs, creating a unique religious landscape.

The legal system in Trinidad and Tobago is Common Law. Like many nations with colonial histories, Trinidad and Tobago inherited laws from the British colonial era. There have been arrests for attempted suicide recorded in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years, and legal opinion suggests the offence remains in existence.

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.

This country profile has been compiled from available research and verified as well as possible. If you wish to supply clarifications, updates, feedback, facts or data, please use the Contact Us form on this page. And if you want your country to take ownership of managing and sharing this information, and progress being made, please register your interest in participating via our Get Involved form.