The women’s arm of the PPP, the WPO today said that it was “extremely disappointed” at the utterances by Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran against rights activist Sherlina Nageer.
The WPO statement follows:
The Women’s Progressive Organisation is extremely disappointed with the recent utterances made by the Hon Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsarran at the Whim Police Station when he reacted to statements made by Ms. Nageer.
WPO’s disappointment stems from the fact that Dr. Ramsarran is a hardworking individual who was schooled in a political environment to respect women’s equality.
Dr. Ramsarran is known for his support for women’s empowerment and has always been prepared to provide assistance to women especially those who are medically challenged.
WPO is therefore dismayed that he allowed himself to react to provocation without giving considerations to his manner of speech; his reaction was unacceptable.
We know that there are people who would stop at nothing to make others lose their cool in the performance of their duties, but the Minister who is an intelligent person should have recognised that and acted with restraint at all times.
Guyanese women are no longer submissive and as such will not allow themselves to be intimidated by statements that seek to denigrate them.
WPO fought for women’s rights and empowerment in Guyana, but is mindful that rights come with responsibilities as well. No one is forced to answer a question except in the court of law and one can always choose to ignore provocation and remain silent or be non-committal.
