“No woman should lose her life to domestic violence” – Minister Persaud

Mar 09, 2026 News

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…urges stronger protection, public awareness to combat rising cases

(Kaieteur News) – Domestic violence against women has become a major national concern, particularly during Women’s History Month, as Guyana continues to record several gruesome cases of women being killed or severely abused by their partners.

Dr. Persaud made the statement while addressing attendees at the Women and Girls’ Summit 2026, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre last Wednesday.

While delivering her message to the women and girls present at the summit, the minister emphasised that no one has the right to abuse or violate women.

“No girl, no woman should lose their lives at the hands of a violent perpetrator. No woman or girl should face abuse,” she said.

Reflecting on initiatives implemented by the ministry to support victims such as the 914-emergency hotline and the iMatter mobile application, Persaud urged women to look out for and support those who may be in vulnerable situations.

“We will always look for support everywhere, but support is there. Link the chains to make that a stronger support network. We have to work on safety, but it starts with making wise choices and being our sisters’ protectors, keepers, eyes and ears, and custodians of doors that can open pathways to safety,” she said.

In a strong appeal, the minister added, “I would like to wake up in the next few months and not see another woman lose her life or a girl. I mean, I’m saying a few months, but tomorrow is good. It really would be good.”

However, Guyana has recorded multiple incidents of women dying at the hands of their partners over the last couple of months.

On International Women’s Day 2026, a 39-year-old mother, Caslene Toney, was stabbed to death by her reputed husband, Morris Hugh, who later attempted to take his own life and is now hospitalised. The incident occurred at their home in Long Creek, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Earlier this year, on February 24, a 15-year-old girl was stabbed 25 times in a vicious attack allegedly carried out by the father of her child. The teen, identified as Tiana Chapman of Pepper Street, Edinburg Village, East Bank Berbice, suffered punctured lungs and remains in critical but stable condition.

Reports indicate that the attack occurred around 20:00h while Chapman was visiting a friend’s home. The suspect, Christopher Ali, who had recently returned to Berbice after being away for several months, was reportedly upset that the teen had ended their relationship. Relatives said Chapman had previously endured physical abuse during her pregnancy before cutting ties with him on the advice of family members.

In another incident on February 22, 2026, a mother of six from No. 76 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Olive Thompson, was brutally attacked by her husband of 23 years, Mahindra Patrick Singh, also called “Poison.”

Thompson, a part-time worker at the Springlands Nursery School, sustained multiple stab wounds, including injuries that damaged her liver and required emergency surgery. She remains in critical condition. Singh was later discovered dead the following day, with reports suggesting he ingested a poisonous substance.

Domestic violence cases have continued to surface across the country over the past year.

In late December 2025, 89-year-old pensioner Lackandai Tamessar was allegedly murdered at her home on Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara. Police believe the murder occurred between December 26 and December 30. Her body was discovered by a relative who noticed stab wounds. Her husband, Michael Raymond Haralall Tamessar, called “Mike,” was later found dead in January.

In September 2025, 50-year-old Paula Abraham was reportedly stabbed to death by her common-law husband, Ishwar Singh, who later set their Cummings Lodge home on fire. Her body was discovered with a stab wound to the neck.

Earlier that year, in April 2025, years of domestic abuse endured by 26-year-old Maline LaCruz ended in tragedy when her estranged husband, goldsmith Parmanand Ramdial, also called Ramzan Ramdial, opened fire on her family. Maline, her 50-year-old mother Waveney LaCruz, and her 17-year-old sister SueAnn LaCruz were killed in the attack, while her brother was injured. The shooting unfolded in the presence of Maline’s three young children. Ramdial later died after ingesting a poisonous substance.

Another tragic case occurred on February 22, 2025, when 27-year-old Kenesha Vaughn was shot 12 times by her husband, 32-year-old businessman Marlan DaSilva, during a heated argument at their home in Block ‘X’, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

DaSilva, who is currently on trial for murder, had reportedly been drinking earlier that evening. Police said his blood alcohol level was recorded at 83 per cent which is well above the legally prescribed limit of 35 per cent.

Investigators reported that Vaughn had called DaSilva home, which allegedly annoyed him. When he arrived around 20:00h, the couple began arguing in the kitchen. The argument escalated into violence after DaSilva reportedly slapped Vaughn. Police said that when she allegedly approached him with a knife, he pulled out his gun and opened fire.

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• Domestic violence, Kenisha Vaughn, Maline La Cruz, Tiana Chapman, Women abuse

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