A government wide suicide awareness training opened this morning, Monday, at the Lee Auditorium.
All departments and authorities have representatives at the training, one of the activities for Suicide Prevention and Awareness month.
Governor Lemanu Peleti Muaga, in his remarks at the opening, said the presence of the leaders of the executive and legislative branches, as well as traditional leaders, reflects the importance they place on suicide prevention. 
He said the training is needed to remind everyone about the role they play in preventing suicides and saving lives.
Lemanu recalled attending the funeral service of a victim of suicide where the faifeau asked where were the parents, where were the leaders of government, and where were the church ministers at the time of the suicide.
He said it was important that the community sees the leaders of the territory take the lead in the prevention of suicide.
Lemanu emphasized the role of parents in raising their children, and when they speak to their children to bring themselves down to their kids level.
Lemanu pointed to events that take parents away from their homes such as bingo, church events, cultural gatherings and the like.
He also said government activities should not take away time that families should spend together, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Governor referred to cricket games held Saturdays for Coast Weeks, as an example.
