Dear Editor,
I have been watching the news on television and reading about domestic violence in our country which I found very interesting. I heard our President calling on the religious leaders and many organizations to help fight this atrocious act that is presently destroying the moral fabric of our society. Domestic violence is not a new phenomenon in our country; it’s something that has been there since the beginning of time.
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It is a pattern of physically, sexually and/or emotionally abusive behaviour used by one individual to maintain power over a partner in the context of an intimate or family relationship. Some of the signs of domestic violence are verbal insults, demeaning or threatening a partner; isolating them from friends, family or other people; organizing schedules to follow or harass a partner; limiting their mobility and access to money; exploding into rages and committing physical or sexual assault against them; negating a partner’s words, ideas, and actions; finding excuses for each attack and promising to stop.
Some of the things on this list can be seen in every home in our country. We have seen husbands threatening wives and children and wives doing the same as well. Most times we believe that men are the ones who are always involved in domestic violence, but we are wrong; women can be heard every day in our various communities ‘cussing’ their children and their husbands. I have seen a real moral breakdown in family values in our society.
One of the major causes of domestic violence is illiteracy, but the highly educated and wealthy also commit domestic violence, and in many cases the men will have extra-marital affairs because they believe they have money. Another major cause of domestic violence in our country today is alcohol abuse and the use of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, etc. I have seen rum shops, pool bars and night spots in almost every community; it’s not surprising we have so much domestic violence. The police and the Ministry of Home Affairs will have to play a more active role to stamp out these bars that are growing rapidly.
I see that people have become very selfish; the rich have nothing to do with the poor; it’s a dog eat dog society we are living in. If every man would help his neighbour no man would be without help.
Yours faithfully,
Rev Gideon Cecil
you have no moral authority
He does not need to ‘have’ moral authority since evolution has naturally selected humans to be moral animals and the moral authority is built into us.
What’s your solution Rev.?
Speaking of Rev./selffish/rich – I came across a Rev. when my wife’s nephew died. He spoke well at his church and met me and later gave his card. My brother in law who is associated to his church asked me to drop him to his house once (after)- which I willingly did and was looking forward to see him again so that we perhaps can talk. I was wrong – the church man had his nose high up and didn’t even shake my hand. I wanted to ran out immediately from his mansion. I found an excuse and asked to leave.
That is what most us do most of the time – talk and talk but no solution.
So, any concrete specific suggestions for dealing with the problem, other than just highlighting it, Bro Gideon?
Where was the Rev’s voice when Gavin Paul was dying in the streets of the capital city. You are part of the problem in that sorry country.
The police and the ministry of home affairs should launch an aggressive campaign to educate citizens about domestic violence and about alternative ways to resolve disputes.
Yes the religious leaders can help greatly;
Govt need to make these abuses punishable by law; enact laws with stiff penalties.
Engage/employ social workers to visit schools and community clinics so that victims can report these crimes/abuses, so that the perps can be dealt with.
There are a host of social issues to which the Govt need to address.
Religious leaders, please, my dear you’ll find that they are some of the biggest HYPOCRITES. As for your other suggestions/SOLUTIONS to the problem; on target
Hey Rev. Very good observation of society , it’s all true what u say . We need help from the Gov’ment and the social sectors .
What caught my attention though , is the fact that the word ‘ GOD ‘ was not mentioned in your letter . Just thought u should have mentioned that since u’re a Rev. People needs to be reminded of the creator.
Unfortunately, we live in a FEEL GOOD SOCIETY. Our insane need to feed the senses has eliminated moral values to justify our conquests. We have deviated from the natural order of humanity to act like animals.
The only solution to this problem is STRICT ISLAMIC LAW.
Tell that to the US gov’t.
WHY DOES IT HAVE TO ISLAMIC LAW? IS THAT THE ONLY LAW THAT IS GOOD? DOESN’T THE OTHER RELIGIONS COUNT?
We needs laws that has no shades of gray. BLACK or WHITE ONLY. People have remarkable ignorance and, or, disregard, for moral values and tend to re-create its reference to their own preference.
The fabric is being assisted to be destroyed by you know who. The weak justice system.
Letter: ” Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It is a pattern of physically, sexually and/or emotionally abusive behaviour used by one individual to maintain power over a partner in the context of an intimate or family relationship. Some of the signs of domestic violence are verbal insults, demeaning or threatening a partner; isolating them from friends, family or other people; organizing schedules to follow or harass a partner; limiting their mobility and access to money; exploding into rages and committing physical or sexual assault against them; negating a partner’s words, ideas, and actions; finding excuses for each attack and promising to stop.”
Some of the things listed here were allegedly done by the President of Guyana to his spouse. As a woman myself, I ask, how can Jagdeo ever add a credible voice, asking religious leaders to help? Who will want to laugh that loud at him?
One point of difference with the letter writer though, Domestic violence is not the root cause of the destruction of the moral fiber of any society, although it is a contributing factor, a govt that lacks by its own actions, the moral authority to enforce the law, deserves the full brunt of the blame when the laws of that country implodes upon the nation, starting at the very top of the social structure.
There is weight to the expectations of any nation of electing only those with the highest integrity to office. Not so in Guyana. We look at face and vote race.
Who is it that coined the phrase: “A nation gets the govt it deserves.”
It is time we the people stop blaming the politicians and start looking at the man/woman in the mirror.
You’re right, because it’s “the man/woman in the mirror” who votes.