Director of the Social Justice and Peace Committee Father Franklyn Cuffy said several factors could have led to the suicide of Aldorah David.
David was found hanging from the roof of her family house at Canal, Massacre recently.
Cuffy told a special assembly at the Dominica State College (DSC) on Wednesday, that “I went to the community to find out a little more about her and I found out certain things that are alarming.”
Cuffy said he is also disappointed in the fact that David was being prepared to minister in the church and that the “prominent” individual who was preparing her did not realize she had a problem.
“I feel awful as a priest,” he added.
Meantime, Counsellor of the DSC Fredericka James also encouraged students to look for signs of stress among their peers.
i am so sorry for her
I would just like to give a little word of advise to our priests. Take your vocation seriously as those that were there long years ago. Do not operate like public officers, remember you took a vow. In days of old, priest had no secretary, so when you go for a baptismal certificate it was not fake, only the priest would give that. Too much time is spent on doing other things that are not priestly. Spend time in knowing the rest of the congregation, and not only those on church committee, we all cannot be in church committee, and cleaners. Remember you have no church without members.
I dnt like dominicans becuz they like 2 guess 2 much stp sayin wat u wnt plz n let the family get peace its over now dat they buried her so stop make it harded on them n me plz!!!!dominicans stp pointin fingers k????
What is sad is that our culture does not support people reaching out for help. If someone is suffering from depression people may think that person is lazy; if the person is suffering from some internal turmoil and is sad, people will say why not get over it? There are few mental health professionals available to the public. Does the Church provide counseling to youth? What about the school? What about in our families? Are people encouraged to discuss their problems/ What about the fear of being judged? Our society is very judgemental, and this can push someone over the edge.
We need to pay closer attention to each other. Families need to have family meetings where members can discuss issues openly.
The Church must do more outreach in the communities. Train lay ministers to do pastoral counseling. The priests, religious and lay ministers must do home visits. Schools must hire professional counselors and offer counseling as part of the education process. Everyone must pay closer attention. Friends must be true friends; do not spread your friend’s business. Learn to keep things confidential. Finally, we must stop judging each other. Learn to be objective; be a good listener and offer to pray with and for each other.
Fr Cuffy, you ought to be ashamed of trying to blame the “prominent” person in the community. Firstly, the young lady was twenty years old, and living with her family, if they who lived with her did not see the signs of suicide or did seek help when she attempted it, how do you expect the “prominent” person to prevent it.
Secondly,you said that AFTER the death you went to the community to find out and found out some alarming things. Are you not a priest in the Massacre/St Ann’s parish community? Did she ever serve at the alter while you did Mass? How much contact do YOU Fr Cuffy have with the community where you are you serving and residing?
I find it very interesting Fr Cuffy that you priests (except Fr Jolly) in the St Ann’s parish have VERY LITTLE OR NO contact/interaction with the community. You just do Mass and leave. How about confession? When last has it been announced that the sacrament will be available at a specific time for those who need it on a weekly/monthly basis? Last time I checked, I had to make an appointment. Was the sacrament available to the young lady so that she could unburden herself?
I have given you some things to ponder on as you prepare for the next Titiwi or River Festival/Day. The little things in the community count Fr Cuffy, not only the big ones which would give you publicity. We can’t force our help/counselling on people. God be with you!
My heart goes out to the family of this young lady! Suicide is very common especially amongst the youth of today. People end their lives abruptly because they feel trapped and alone. There is a sense of selflessness and humiliation. It is sad that we sometimes miss the signs of suicide in our loved ones. Then again, some people are so good at hiding their pain that sometimes the signs are easily overlooked. This is why it is important to talk to our loved ones and be supportive and understanding of their situations! No two people handle the same situation in the same manner! We are not all strong minded individuals; So we shouldn’t judge her because she killed herself. she is the only one who knew what she was going through but she isn’t here to defend herself. So let us try to defend her by not spreading rumors or speculating on what we think we know happened.
Instead, try to learn the signs of suicide and help prevent another youth from taking their life prematurely, if we can.
if u can kill ur self for somting u think is love well u not strong enough to be walking on this earth anyway.. many ppl were on the edge and came back.. starting with me
well i agree wit that comment cause I have a academic makwi in my life who i feel i cant live without but he aint worth it plz
i totally agree…no matter how much you love some one you should never love some one enough to kill your self…and u dead and gone and their on earth leaving their lives afta they’ve moren for just some months…
shut the hell up. The problem is , in dominica when you loose your mind, is a problem to society. they castigate people who are in need or serious mental help. and what makes matters worse ,anyone of us can loose it, over anything, so while all you there beating all you self up about how all you will not kill all you self over love, i bet you don’t know what it will take for you to try and do the same thing.
That is not an issue to take lightly.
Leave the girl alone. She is already dead and doesn’t need any more dehumanizing.
Fr. Cuffy, I think you need to get your facts right. I am from the village of Massacre, and there was no prominant person working with the young lady to be an Altar Server. The young lady mentioned that she was interested in serving. The Prominant individual, did not push her, it was agreed when she is ready she will come foward. The prominant individual had no further contact with the young lady. So get your facts right. I was of the view that you had stop that nonsense of pointing fingers at people and trying to destroy that same prominant person character. Grow up as a priest. When one young person dies in that manner we all must ask ourselves a question. How can I prevent another young person from doing the same instead of playing the balme game. The catholic church must have other programmes apart form COR which by the way is excellent to assist young persons. The priest must spend more time in the communities doing visits etc, get to know their flock and MUST COOPERATE WITH THE OTHER PRIEST IN THE COMMUNITY. WHEN THERE ARE MORE THAN ONE PRIEST LIVING IN A COMMUINTY LIKE MASSACE/MAHAUT, THEY MUST WORK AND LIVE AS A FAMILY. YOU ALL ARE THE EXAMPLES WE YOUNG PEOPLE FOLLOW.
hmm…wel well wat do u kno?….the individual was an alter server and did stop for a yr or two n infact during her “off” time there was someone “a prominant person working with her so she can continue serving…..
Heard from the grape vine that a young lady in Dominica committeed suicide a few weeks ago and nothing more. Now I’m reading pieces of stories here and there. Who knows why she killed herself? This is very sad and may her soul rest in peace. Lots of factors can cause people to go bullistic and end things really quickly. There are those of us who are able to deal with situations and there are those who are not as fortunate . People need to talk with and listen to others. Stop criticizing and degrading others and try to understand each other. Life is too short . Spread a little love will make things better. Too much hate, jealousy and gossip
dat girl she not have hanged herself cause dey say is a boyfriend breakup we papa
that might be the only time in her life when she felt like was being loved. then the relationship broke up and ……………………
I know rite. She kill herself and the man there walking and drinking
“I feel awful as a priest”
Father Cuffy, it is good that you acknowledged this in yourself. And I hope that you intend to do something about that awfulness in you. For as human beings today, we really demonstrate an awful attitude of selfishness–worse too, in those of us who claim to be servants of God; a living God, who has the nature of Love–motivating much of mercy and compassion.
Wicked selfishness in us have failed everyone in our surroundings, including our own selves.
I will never forget, many years ago; my girlfriend was at my place talking to me about the difficult circumstances she was experiencing at the time. While she talked to me I heard through one ear, but what she said to me went out of the other ear. It was only when a good instinct prompted me to pay some attention to her, and I looked at her and saw tears in her eyes, as she why me; that I realized, she was really hurting; but I had completely ignored the pain that she would have liked that I shared with her. I felt ashamed of myself, at that time! So I can imagine how you feel, when you say “I feel awful as a priest”!
We can say that we do not know why Aldorah took her own life, the way she did. But I truly believe, that if Aldorah, and many others who commit suicide was certain that there was someone who would help them relieve their pain, and provoke their desire to live, she would not be in her grave today.
What now! Those of us who are alive today, should learn the lesson from Aldorah’s death. Many people: young, medium young, old, and elder, are vulnerable; many people need our strength of compassion, our attitude of mercy, and our nature of forgiveness. What is our willingness to reach out to those persons in every way we can? How do we receive if we never try to give?
All human beings–our men of governments, our Prime Minister, our priests, pastors, and bishops, our employer/employee, our doctor, nurse, teacher, social worker; and all ordinary human beings around us, would like to feel that they are people, just like those of us, who do nothing but bark, like biting dogs, at everyone, for one thing or the other.
We need to recognize this wicked and selfish attitude in us; and to strive to dismiss it, before it destroys everyone around us and finally, our own self.
u talk 2 much
Nuts
And who are you! To decide that?
But I can see why my talking would bother you. Your names tells me that you do not have a mind which would be able to comprehend composed words.
Strongly agree @ Nuts, Lizavier talks too damn much!
M_A
Having read your previous sentiments, I don’t expect anything from you either. For I perceive that you are just as dead in your mind, like the person identified as Nuts. Birds of a feather flock together, you see!
Feel free to continue in your existence of darkness, blindness, deafness, and nakedness. You will have the greatest rewards in Eternity. However, you will not be hearing from me at your place there.
YEP
i agree too.
torturing my eyes there
make the thing short and to the point
i blame he parents i hope they are tormented with guilt tilll the day they die
why u blame the parents
people kill themselves because of 2 reasons
1.lack of social support
2. a social circle which is tooo close
well tht what i read and it make total sense to me.
i will expound on the first reason.,whichis the major cause of suicide. people who are not suffering from some form of mental illness or who are not influenced by drugs don’t kill themselves because of problems. if so why don’t poor people commit more suicide.
i think if one decide to bring a child to this earth that child should be their priority. they need love, guidiance, discipline, encouragement and parent are suposed to provide that. it is obvious that this girl lacked some if not all of thse things. parents tear you down instead of encouragaing you. i swear it feels like parents are the enemy.
Suicide is the most violent act of extremism and is not founded on parental irresponsibility, All violence is rooted in fear, fear of tomorrow, fear of failure, fear of loss – loss of hope. Most suicides are commited by the young because of despair when the vaulted ceilings of ambition seem beyond their reach. Do not blame survivors, relatives or acquaintances because the victim did not leave an explanation.
Charles Bully
I do agree with you. Fleshly fear–in all shapes and sizes is the weapon that Satan hands out to us. We accept this sword because of our lack of our rebelious nature, our disobedience to God’s commandments and our lack of faith and trust of His authority in our lives; as pride, arrogance, and haughtiness engulf our carnal mind–we choose to function by our own strength.
Our passions to become someone whom God did not plan for us to be is also a vital key. As disappointment and failure is the norm, motivating self destruction in us. Younger people are the target of those predicaments–intimidations
Those of us who survive through the violence–like suicide– of our loved ones are not to be blamed. But we can use those outcome to examine our selves.
Our self examination should be centred around one basic point–how much do care for anyone around us just as much as we care for ourselves? Jesus counseled us “to Love God with all of our body, heart, mind, and soul; and to love people–our neighbours–just as much as we love ourselves”.
He told us that if we are doing those two commandments, we are doing all of the teachings of Moses and the prophets of old. How many of us understand and embrace that teaching-counsel- of Jesus Christ, in our lives? Let us all examnine ourselves!
i think u shd get to know the young lady family before u can ashore that……….from wat i knew its no family issue. this family has been set as an example for other families especially in the community….and as for u……GOD ALONE KNOWS WHY!!! when he gives u the answer i guess you’ll let me kno.
It really does not matter now which church, which prominent person, which individual. And obnoxious remarks attacking Father Cuffy or anyone else is not going to undo what has happened. The sad truth is, that a young woman with a bright future saw no way out of the despair that she felt, other than suicide. We miss so many signs when the people around us are going through a crisis. Now may be an opportune time for the schools to focus a bit more on their counselling programs so that young people like Aldorah can be identifed and help sought for them before it is too late. May the peace of God comfort her family.
Let’s get something clear: We will NEVER know what cause this young lady to take her life!! All we can do is speculate, and go on hearsay(typical Dominicans) because she is NOT there to tell us in detail what brought about the thought that she went ahead with.
What we need to focus on is paying more attention to people who display some strange behaviour so suddenly that history don’t repeat itself. As for Father Cuffy being disappointed in the individual, that’s rubbish – because we cannot tell what anyone is going through until and unless they indicate to someone. We should be more considerate in those areas and consider everyone whether or not they show some sign of depression.
WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP!!!
FR. CUFFY! WAS THE PROMINANT PERSON A PSYCHOLOGIST?
OR WAS THAT PERSON TELEPATHIC
WHY DON’T YOU PEOPLE THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK?
I THINK YOU FR. CUFFY AND THE OTHER SO-CALLED PROFESSIONALS ARE JUST LOOKING FOR YOU DAY UNDER THE SUN, FOR YOU 15 MINUTES OF SHAME
IT IS DESPICABLE HOW YOU RELIGIOUS LEADERS PICK AND CHOOSE THE TOPICS TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT.
IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU FATHER CUFFY THAT CAUSE PEOPLE TO LOSE FAITH IN ORGANIZED RELIGION.
YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED AND THAT YOU CANNOT CURE OR REVERSE.
WHY CAN’T YOU VOICE YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THOSE THINGS CAN CHANGE OF EFFECT
WHY AREN’T YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE CURROPTION OF YOU BUDDY SAKE PRIME MINISTER?
OR PERHAPS NO BABIES THAT YOU KNOW OF HAS BEEN ABORTED ON HIS ACCOUNT
YOU RELIGIOUS MEN MAKE ME SICK SICK SICK.
I DO NOT SEE CHRIST IN YOU PEOPLE ANYMORE.
YOU ARE DESPICABLE
YOU HAVE BEEN SOLD INTO CONFORMITY AND THE LAZINESS OF PLEASURE.
OR IS THIS WHAT THE BIBLE SPOKE OF WHEN IT SAID “EVEN THE ELECT”
HAVE A GOOD DAY FATHER CUFFY AND BECOME A PRIEST AGAIN
GOD BLESS
You are a complete idiot. You don’t have to be telepathic or even a psychologist to notice the change in the pattern of behavior of someone with suicidal thoughts or tendencies. If you know that person well you will notice changes. Some of the warning signs of suicide are as follows; depression, talking about dying, lack of concentration, change of eating habits or lack of appetite, sudden outbursts of anger or sadness and more. These things could have been easily recognized by those training her to be a minister.
Buwa
You are right
Well according to what you have just mentioned – signs of suicide, I must inform you that the so called prominant person was not leaving with the young lady. fr. Cuffy was once sationed in the community, and I believe still reside in Belfast why didn’t he help. He is assigned to assist the Parish priest Fr. Jude what did he do to help the young lady and other young people in that community? Fr. Cuffy once tried to destory a youth group in that same community. He fought these young people tooth and nail, and these were the same people who were in the choir, readers etc. in church. These young people were frustrated since that was his goal to run them out of church. But after many years, these young people are still there although most of them are married. Shame Shame Fr. Cuffy to blame others for your failure as a priest.
@ c bruce
…And you make me sick too with your stupid remarks. You are the one who talk a load of crap. I always ask who are you to make such remarks? You lack common sense, love and humility. You sound like an unhappy, miserable person otherwise you would not make such derogatory, ungodly statements.
As yourself, people have every right to pick and chose the topic they wish to write about. This topic is one that should touch the heart of every human being, namely Dominicans. Who knows what could happen to us in a second, etc? Therefore we must be compassionate.
I pick and choose whatever topic which is posted on DON to comment/reply to and those that are dear to my heart. This goes for each and every person who reads DON. Give Fr. Cuffy this right. It is his prerogative to do as he wishes. He does not need your approval and criticism.
As Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Let he who is without sin caste the first stone” and “Those who judge others will be judged accordingly and two-fold.”
Do you not know that God takes note and count of all what we say and do? You have offended God Himself for writing such degrading comments against His Consecrated Priest. Repent and ask God forgiveness and practice the faith fervently so that God will forgive you, mellow your heart and also make it a loving one and towards His Priest.
How do you/your soul stand before God? If you died today where would your soul end up for all eternity? Make an examination of your conscience.
To: Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
I’ll say! People have not problem with those despicable comments, but they will attack yours and mine. Good rebuke! In the name of Jesus Christ
@ Lizavier4Jesus
Yes! You are correct. They will attack us because we stand up for what is right. I feel sorry for those people who do so. They are in dire need of God’s blessing, graces and enlightenment.
As I always say we may not agree on every topic. However there are some topics that we could agree on as being fair and just to others, being loving, compassionate, merciful and forgiving.
Our Lord told us: “To be perfect and merciful as our Heavenly is.” Many appear to forget that. Also that some do not possess such godly hearts.
We must always stand up for what is true, right and just. We must defend the persecuted and the vulnerable. I thank God that I am able to do so, always with His help.
When we stand before God He will hold us accountable of what we did and failed to do. If our good works outnumber our bad ones, we will surely obtain God’s Kingdom of everlasting life. O Happy Day!
Sometime ago I read that you stated you had a problem with your hearing. I hope you are feeling better.
Have a great day/evening. God bless you!
God bless you too, my brother/sister in Jesus Christ.
Yes, I have what is called a cochlea implant, a hearing device that is much, much, more advanced than a hearing aid. I am now learning to hear through that implant along with its outside device, which looks like the piece of a hearing aid. The implant is in my left ear
God is Love, and He has restored my hearing loss, through medical service, surgery, and a hearing device that I could never afford to pay for on my own. That is the privilege of living in countries like Canada. Perhaps you have read that I live in Toronto, just like you do.
Let us stay in the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, okay!
Blessings again!
hogwash to you all
c. bruce has a point
so why in the #?@% didn’t he pick on the father or the mother or the others in teh house WHO WERE MUCH CLOSER AND DIDN’T SEE IT EITHER. I suppose that guy in Arizona who killed those people gave the right siganls that he could be stopped eh?
Fr. Cuffy has no BUSINESS picking on the “prominent person” like that.
C. bruce is right in saying that these men chose to address the ills that cannot fight back and cause any discomfort to them.
They talk about the Cross be do not want to embrace it themselves.
They are poor leaders
Good job c.bruce
I guess more info will be forthcoming? How old was she? Which church was she preparing to minister in according to Priest Cuffy? And who is the prominent individual the p[priest Cuffy is referring to? Sounds like Cuffy is trying to say something but he is not brave enough..let it out Mr Cuffy
i also hope u find certain things that are alarming about ur boy skerro n his acolytes,,,,cause these injustices should make u feel awful as a priest
c. bruce
amen to that
im not surprised that he found out somethings about her that raised his eyebrows……cases like this tend to…….she obviously had issues….either no one cared….or she thought no one would…..either way…suicide is a pretty dumb way to go…….Satan is happy, God is sad.
by the way, wat happend to the so called boyfriend/baby daddy*probly jus beff*? wat does he have to say about all of this…is he happy? is he sad? ppl wanna kno!!!!
Mind ur bloody business, ur main concern is beff but a ypung lady killed her self rise above that petty issssssh.
u also need to understand that she didn juss get up sunday an say, “YA….u c dat cord deh around my neck it goin…easy”
I bet u she didn….the fact is she killed herself for a REASON…the quicker we find out the better we will handle the situation