Latest update January 9th, 2025 4:10 AM
Jul 10, 2011 News
..authorities turn a blind eye
At the age of 13, young girls begin their teenage years with thoughts of their “sweet 16” birthday parties, their future occupations and about the freedom they have until adulthood.
Some experience their first kiss, “puppy love” and even begin the dating arena but this is an unusual case of a 13-year-old girl who is now anticipating motherhood.
“Nisha” (not her real name) of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice delivered her first child at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday evening.
Reports are that “Nisha’s” baby girl was born around 20:00hrs, a month earlier than expected. The premature baby experienced breathing problems and had to be placed in the GPHC nursery with an oxygen mask.
The infant is currently in a stable condition.
When Kaieteur News visited the young mother she was very receptive and looked very relaxed. “Nisha” dressed in her purple nightgown, short brown hair and small features barely looked 13.
The new mother explained to Kaieteur News that she resided with her maternal grandparents at the #11 Village in Berbice but when she became pregnant she moved in with her father at D’ Edward Village, West Coast Berbice.
Though the man supported his daughter he found it difficult to “be there all the time” especially since he is a security guard and would have to work shifts. He had no choice but to notify the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to have social workers intervene.
The baby’s father “Anil” (real name not given) was only 17-years-old and resided with his family in the Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. When the social workers contacted his family, they were more than happy to have “Nisha” stay with them until she gave birth.
“Anil” who is a mason by occupation would help take care of “Nisha” while he was available but his entire family made up for his absence when necessary.
“After my father could not get time to look after me no more, the social workers advise that I should go by my boy family and stay with them. His family was supportive. They didn’t mind.”
When asked whether she wanted the baby, “Nisha” was affirmative stating “Oh no, I don’t want to give way my baby. I want her. He wants her. Everyone wants her”.
According to the young mother, she and “Anil” want to get married but the Ministry explained that they would have to wait until she attained the age of 16.
“Anil’s” mother has also promised to raise the baby. Meanwhile she is sending “Nisha” to complete her schooling.
And both the Ministry and the authorities are silent on criminal prosecution. Nisha is below the age of consent and therefore a victim of rape.
(Kristen Macklingam)
Jan 09, 2025
Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is set to commence the highly anticipated Elite League Qualification Playoffs on Saturday, January 11, 2025. This knockout-style...Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Bharrat Jagdeo’s proclamation of his party’s approach to reducing income inequality... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- It has long been evident that the world’s richest nations, especially those responsible... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]