The PNCR is calling on the government to “adopt a policy of zero tolerance” to the “endemic” domestic and sexual violence against women in Guyana.

Lance Carberry

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, party Executive Member Lance Carberry noted that women in Guyana continue to die as a result of sexual or domestic violence.  “Whether [through] sexual or domestic violence our women are dying; women who are mothers, teachers, protectors and who are responsible for the reproduction of future generations,” Carberry said.

“How many more of our women must succumb before effective action is taken to curtail this violence in our society?” Carberry asked.  According to him, too many of the nation’s children “are being deprived of the right to a mother’s care, love and protection.”

Carberry said that while the government claims to have adequately addressed Health and Education in terms of the benchmarks set for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, it has failed to address other aspects such as violence against women and girls outlined among these goals.

The PNCR, Carberry said, has been a committed advocate for the rights and protection of women and will continue to monitor the performance of the administration in curbing “the scourge of domestic violence in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, the party also endorsed the efforts of Amnesty International in their fight against the abuse of women’s rights and called on all governments worldwide “to take immediate action to prevent, punish, and eradicate violence against women”.  He pointed out too that as a signatory to the UN Charter, Guyana was obligated to meet all benchmarks set by the MDG by 2015.