NGOs mount protest outside Office of the President

May 08, 2009 News

…cite delay in legislation against child abuse

The demonstrators outside Office of the President yesterday.

Several entities yesterday staged a picketing exercise outside Office of the President to protest the delay in the implementation of legislation against child abuse.
The exercise was staged by Red Thread, Help and Shelter and the Concerned Citizens organisation.
Red Thread Coordinator, Karen De Souza, noted that the three entities are calling for a speedy implementation of laws to protect children against abuse since there seems to be an upsurge in the reported cases of such incidents. There was a petition for the implementation of such laws more than a year ago, she said.

She noted that representation has been made for various pieces of legislation to be implemented but it’s over a year now and still the laws have not been passed by parliament.
She said that with the non-availability of protective laws, persons are more prone to take advantage of young children. She noted that such legislation must be treated seriously and addressed immediately, especially in the area of the Sexual Offences Act, commonly known as ‘Stamp it Out’.
De Souza said that similar activities will be staged until the government heeds their cry and implements the laws in the interest of the children at risk of abuse.

According to De Souza, yesterday’s exercise marked the beginning of a series of activities. The protesters plan to have intense discussions with the relevant authorities on the issue.
De Souza noted also that yesterday’s picketing was geared at getting the public to realize that the laws are important and also for the authorities to move quickly into action.
The absence of the legislation is not helping the children, she said, while emphasizing that in front of the President’s office was the best place to stage the picket since they hope to send their pleas to the highest forum.

WPA Executive member, Desmond Trotman, noted that the promise to implement the legislation seemed to have fallen off the map, and there is indeed the distinct need for it to be given the attention it deserves.
He opined that if senior government officials themselves are involved in cases of abuse then it is no surprise that the legislative laws are not yet in place.
The protesters displayed slogans screaming, ‘Don’t Make Yuh Child Pain Yuh Shame’, ‘Where is the Sexual Offence Law?’ and ‘We have waited a whole year, no more Delay’.
Other placards were shouting, ‘Our Children Need Justice Now’ and other phrases rightfully associated with the exercise.