Latest update November 5th, 2024 1:00 AM
Boy, 10, abused by presidential guard
…residents forced to intervene
More than a year of alleged child abuse came to a head on Tuesday evening, when residents of Crane,
The 10-year-old boy sustained a number of injuries, including a burst lip, following the beating from his older brother.
West Coast Demerara, were forced to intervene as a 10-year old boy was being cruelly beaten by his older brother, a member of the Presidential Guard.
According to a resident of the community, the latest abuse came just a week after villagers made a report to the police.
According to reports, the 10-year-old and his older 12-year-old brother were often the recipients of severe abuse at the hands of their brother, the Presidential Guard.
The woman said that on Tuesday evening, there had been celebrations for a wedding in the community when the 10-year-old boy came begging for food. The woman said the boys were often hungry and without clothes. She added that they would also not attend school.
The boy was reportedly given the food and quickly returned home. However, the handout seemingly angered his eldest brother who proceeded to beat him.
“This man used a whip, leather, his words, everything; it’s like he tortured this boy,” the clearly disgusted woman said. She added, “It’s so good that we were in the neighbourhood that night because I don’t know what would’ve happened to that boy.”
The abuse lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes. All the while, neighbours called out for it to stop. Eventually threats of police intervention stopped the beating but the damage was already done. Fortunately, the 12-year-old brother was unharmed but instead, had to standby as his younger brother was beaten.
“When the villagers came out to stop him, that’s when he exploded; he start cuss up everybody,” the woman said. “He tell we how he’s a presidential guard and we can’t do a thing to him,” she added.
The man later made a report at a police station, alleging that he was beaten by the residents. However, the woman denied his claims.
She further said that about 20 residents went to the Vreed-en-Hoop police station to report the abuse. However, she said, nothing was done due to the man’s position.
She said the residents also requested that the children be taken into the police care but they were instead sent back home, vulnerable to further abuse.
According to reports, the young boys had lived in an orphanage at one point but after constant requests, they were taken in by their brother and grandmother.
“I rather they live in an orphanage again than go through this sort of abuse,” the woman said.
Though a complaint was reportedly made to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) when contacted yesterday, CC&PA Director Ann Green said that she was yet to see a report.
She added that her officers might have already been handling it but a complaint would not reach her immediately, particularly if it was made on the same day.
In the meantime, residents of the community are calling on the relevant authorities to intervene.
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