Latest update April 14th, 2026 12:38 AM
There are no child soldiers in Guyana
DEAR EDITOR,
I have noticed that for some time now certain columnists and letter-writers have been describing young people, still in their teens or pre-teens, who engage in criminal activities as child soldiers, which is entirely incorrect and clearly intended to portray our country in a poor light, just to give them a platform to indulge in further negativity.
What we do have here are some young people, teens and pre-teens, who are criminalized by those engaged in violent and other crimes, and who are inveigled, entrapped or coerced into a life of crime.
What is unfortunate also is that it seems that these youngsters were neglected or abandoned by their parents and other relatives and were not adequately supervised, guided or supported into leading decent and constructive lives.
There are several governmental and other agencies and religious organisations which are available to provide help and support, if they are approached, and who are otherwise engaged in conducting many activities to assist youths.
There are no child soldiers here, but some misguided young people who became entrapped by others into leading a life of crime.
John Da Silva
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