Minister Volda Lawrence should be removed

Apr 09, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
I hereby refer to the ongoing saga involving Mr. Harding and Minister Lawerence. However, before I attempt to add my areas of concern, may I extend my heartiest congratulations first and foremost to the “bold and fearless journalists associated with the high degree of competence, impartiality and professionalism for this initiative. Additionally, the Red Thread Organisation, other Women’s Group and the sister of Winston Harding for their public expression of disgust, by way of letters; picketing exercises and interviews. In the same breath public disapproval are extended to: WRSM (if they still exist), WPO, Women’s Lawyers Association, Child Protection Agency, Mother’s Union, Men of Purpose (Fathers & Husbands), Youth Groups, Civil Society, Religious Organisations and the Guyana Bar Association.
Whereby, the display of dumb insolence, along with absolute silence, transcends into condoning. This is primarily due to the fact that the involvement of a Government Minister, “sweeping under the carpet” a highly contentious and sensitive issue, smacks of decency, social decorum and spirituality. Factuality and in actuality, the return of the “Dark Ages” are seemingly with us again. Since the display of the Hon. Minister, is tantamount to: “A hard worker of the party must be duly rewarded at all costs, irrespective of the allegation of child molestation”. Party paramountcy reigning supreme. Editor, with Kwame Mcoy never being charged for “child molestation or seduction”.
Was it morally correct to have him as a member of the Rights of the Child Commission? Do both of the nation’s two major political parties share a common bond, in condoning these dastardly acts? Suffice it to say, I cannot recall reading in the print media, a comment from the Shadow Minister of Social Protection! Wouldn’t it be prudent for the Ministry to be renamed “Ministry of Anti Social Non- Protection, in observation of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.”
As one of the newspapers’ editorial quite rightfully stated. “Ms. Lawerence has bungled this badly, along with displaying a callous approach to what are very serious allegations. The complaints had been investigated and the police had found enough evidence to charge Mr. Harding, not once, but at least three times. He was never convicted because on one occasion, the virtual complainant was prevented from testifying against him and on another, the statement disappeared”.
Editor, what prevented the individual from testifying, and the statement disappearing from where, the police station or the court?
Finally, with absolutely no confidence in the judicial system, Ms. Lawrence’s continuation as the subject Minister is called into question so is the Child Protection Agency, with its own failure to mount its own investigation devoid of political interference. At the end of the day a clear cut case has been established that there are laws, for the rich/poor; powerful/powerless; penniless and downtrodden aided by convenient application and interpretation.
With the coalition Government, already in its tenth month of governance, and no indication of judicial reform as yet. By a similar token the 6 months Phillip Rowley led Government, in Trinidad and Tobago, have already fired a Minister, for compromising the integrity of her office, while a Mayor was forced to resign for adverse comments, despite a public apology following the murder of a Carnival reveler. By the way, is Minister Lawerence a mother, wife (married) and is she God-fearing? For any reason whatsoever, these qualities should guide her. It’s only prudent that the label of a “hard party worker” is cast aside and she is removed from the Ministry!
Lester Sealey

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News