Respect the letter and spirit of the Sexual Offences Act

Jun 23, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Government, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that the letter and spirit of this Act is fully respected.

The Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) has taken note and expresses serious concern on the troubling issue which was published in print and electronic media of the serious allegations levelled by a 16-year-old schoolgirl against the Minister of Local and Regional Government, Nigel Dharamlall.

The underlying allegations of rape and sodomy are most disturbing and particularly troubling that the young complainant is a member of our indigenous peoples, who participated in a beauty pageant over which the Minister had some official responsibility.

The National Assembly passed in 2010 the Sexual Offences Act which stipulates a child to mean anyone under the age of 18 years old. The Act has among its purposes, the fair and just treatment of criminal complainants who suffer the pain and ignominy of sexual attacks.

The Association calls on the Government, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that the letter and spirit of this Act is fully respected. Further, Protection of Children Act 2009 and Guyana as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1991), requires adherence to policies and protocols in the best interest of children that protects and promote their holistic wellbeing.

The GAPSW expects that this mandate will be credibly, vigorously, and consistently fulfilled by all governing and social welfare agencies responsible for children in Guyana, regardless of the prestige status of alleged perpetrators. The Association calls for a prompt, thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation to determine the criminal culpability of the accused Minister.

Such an inquiry should form the basis of standards and protocols to prevent any reoccurrence. The GAPSW further encourages the public, social media, and media houses to act responsibly and adhere to “Anonymity of the Complainant,” as articulated in Article 62. (1) of the Sexual Offences Act. The Association stands ready to assist in any way possible to contribute towards the well-being of the complainant and the rehabilitative process associated with alleged perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

Mrs. Debbie Hopkinson,

President

Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW), Guyana Police Force, Mrs. Debbie Hopkinson, President, Sexual Offences Act

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