Latest update September 6th, 2026 7:34 PM
Young Berbicians host domestic violence candlelight vigil
A new Non- Governmental Organization, Progressive Youths in Action (PYA) based in
A group photo of the youths of the PYA.
New Amsterdam has joined the fight against all forms of domestic violence and abuse.
The group held a candlelight vigil recently on the Banks DIH tarmac in the town. The event was supported and attended by various religious bodies, NGO’s, officials and members of civil society.
Levonne Butchey, President of the Group, stated that the group is eager to develop their community. He underscored the problem of abuse and violence. He alluded to the Nigerian incident of a militant group Bhoko Haram kidnapping some 200 schoolgirls.
In Guyana there was an 18- year- old in the town that was stabbed to death by her 48-year-old lover. Butchey urged that everyone make abuse their business and work together to eradicate the scourge.
Tanya Niamatali, Project Coordinator, stated that young people dishonor the memory of their forebears whenever they resort to acts of violence and abuse.
“We need to find the wherewithal to life ourselves out of this disparaging situation and understand that no one entity has the capacity to control this trend. The solution, she stated, lies in each one of us “engaging actively in dialogue…each one has to be civic minded, Guyanese must not turn a blind eye to the numerous instances of abuse in our communities and environments.”
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, encouraged the young people to continue the sensitization. He lauded the organization for choosing the ‘Progressive’ and ‘Action’ in its name. “If talk were a commodity that we could export in Guyana, we would have been a rich country!” What we need more, he stated, is action.
“We know our young people are action- oriented—they are bursting with energy—natural energy!” Rohee added that the older folks must give them the opportunity to do creative things—”We must give them the support and financial support.” He hopes more and more young people are attracted to the organization.
Some of the youths in action, cleaning up New Amsterdam recently.
“We must allow young people in Guyana to grow…and to bring other young people closer to your organization.”
Member of Parliament, Faizal M. Jaffarally, said that most people believe tackling domestic violence and other societal ills is the responsibility of the government of the day. However NGO’s, faith- based bodies and other like entities “have to come out and speak out vocally what is happening in our society today.”
He was extremely pleased that the young people have come out to speak out against the scourge of domestic violence, “which is taking a toll in our society. We need to fight against it seriously.”
Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, noted that abuse of women and children has become a major social problem in Guyana.”
The group was formed last year August. The group has distributed hampers; visited the old and shut- ins; painted several pedestrian crossings; clean- up campaign.
Butchey is calling on young people from 16 and above to join the group by contacting him on cell phone 627-0248.
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