Latest update October 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 14, 2017 Letters
Dear Editor,
Firstly permit me to offer sincere condolences to the grieving parents and siblings of Leonard Archibald, the 13 year old who was subjected to sodomy until unconscious, only to be further dehumanised by having his body disposed of in the Berbice River. As a parent, I am still trying to rein my anger, as vivid images of retaliation, unworthy of being penned or verbally disclosed play havoc with my mental processes. Fuelling my anger also is the fact that multiple residents of Sisters Village, along with victims have openly expressed the behaviour and lewd acts perpetrated by this despicable molecular mass, (who has clearly failed to merit the nomenclature human being), yet action was never taken to allay his play (no pun intended).
Putting aside the inhuman act, let’s refresh our minds with some startling facts. On April 23, 2010 the Sexual Offences Bill with the overwhelming support of all Members of the National Assembly was passed. This said Bill clearly states that where an offence under the Act is reported to the police, the police shall, in every case, record the report and conduct an investigation. Was it written in an unintelligible manner or an incomprehensible language? Was there ever a follow up to ensure that those tasked with its execution fully understood what was expected? It also stipulates that within three months of a complaint being made under subsection, a charge shall be laid in respect of the report or the file relating to the report and investigation shall be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.
The Bill further states that failure to comply with subsection will constitute neglect of duty by the Investigating Rank and the Investigating Rank shall be liable to answer disciplinary charges in accordance with the Police (Discipline) Act.
Clearly the law revealed its flaws! Victims, some now adults are reporting, abduction, abuse and sodomy by the perpetrators, even as recent as two years ago, with the matter being reported to the police, with no action taken. There are still others who claim that the reason for this seeming display of immunity from justice lies in the amity shared by the perpetrator with a member of the Police Force. This is the point where the faecal matter makes contact with the oscillator.
I am forthwith calling on the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, the Minister of Public Security, KhemrajRamjattan, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, Crime Chief and Assistant Commissioner, Paul Williams , Divisional Commander, Linden Alves along with a Commission of Inquiry so convened to launch a full scale investigation into the blatant neglect of duty displayed by those sworn to uphold the law, and to serve and protect and who seemingly masqueraded under the guise of policemen. All guilty parties should be tried to the full extent of the law in the avoidable death of this teenager, and that punishment is condigned for the behaviour. No stone should be left unturned, Incidentally, since the Sexual Offences Act (2010) came into effect and amendments made, has the National Task Force for the prevention of sexual offences and the Sexual Offences Unit mandated under the law become a reality? In a previously written article (K. N. January, 2017); I had called upon the Government to initiate a Sex Offenders’ Registry, although in April 2015, an overseas based non-governmental organisation, the Caribbean Voice had also forwarded signed petitions to the Government requesting the same.
To the Guyanese populace, it is time to once again ask the government that you selected and elected “Where is the change”? Seemingly, it is way out of range,
President Granger now in New York attending the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations, recently told a gathering of Guyanese that brains and not barrels are needed. Ironic and Prophetic! Back home, Guyanese are trapped in a broken system, crippled by weak legislation, archaic technology and a lack of political in need of a more formidable action plan before on barrels, there is a ban.
As a concerned Guyanese, I am once again imploring President Granger to carefully consider this pathetic incident that hits at the very base of the moral structure that unites us as a people, and from henceforth set in place all necessary measures to protect our young from sexual predators thereby auguring well for our collective future. Put into effect, Archibald’s Law—a bold measure in community safety—A National Registry of Sexual Offenders. Anyone in the country convicted of a sexual offence will be automatically added to the database, and must report to the police once a year and also if they change address, employment or leave their place of residence for a period of over 1 week. As this young victim is being laid to rest, it is clear that the Police, Presidency and citizenry have all been put to the test. Leonard Archibald’s death should not be in vain, but herald the start of significant gain.
Yvonne Sam.
October 1st turn off your lights to bring about a change!
Oct 19, 2024
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