Dear Editor,
The recent revelation by Head of the Child Protection Agency, Ms Ann Greene, presents a very disquieting situation with regard to the incidence of the sexual molestation of our children.
In a Stabroek News report dated February 7 (with a correction on February 8), Ms Greene stated that for last year alone there were some three thousand reports of child abuse in Guyana, with a significant number of these being sexual abuse cases. This fact points to a very grim and dangerous situation with regard to the safety of our children. If there are many reports of sexual molestation of children in one year, it is frightening to think what the figure would look like when the number of unreported incidents is factored into the equation. This situation must be of concern to every right-minded person who must respond by asking themselves: What else can I do to protect not only my child, but the children of this country? This report alone said to me that the Ministry of Social Services and the Child Protection Agency have failed the nation’s children. It would be interesting to know what the requisite procedures to be followed are when reports of child molestation reach the relevant department, and what the rate of conviction of child sex offenders is. We must also be told what steps are being taken to meet the emotional and psychological challenges or scars these child victims are left with, after their lives have been cruelly invaded. We need to know what is lacking so that we can determine what should be done. This issue is bigger that the relevant ministry and therefore demands a national response.
Over the past few weeks we have been overwhelmed with the most horrific reports of sexual abuse of our children; these include a religious teacher accused of allegedly molesting young boys in his care; and an innocent seven year old girl violated in the most cruel way.
We seem to be on the precipice of a disaster where sex crimes against our children are concerned. We have moved away from a society where parents look out not only for their child or children, but also for the children of others, not because they are asked to, but because they feel compelled to do so. Many would argue that times have changed, and we have probably succumbed to all kinds of influences, external and otherwise, which have caused us to become morally bankrupt as a nation. Others would argue that uncouth and unattractive parenting skills have caused neighbours to become selfish or reserved in their efforts to look out for our children. Whatever is lacking we must fix, if only to save innocent and unsuspecting children from vile sexual attacks.
I believe that if there is one thing that should be of common concern to all of us, as a nation, it must be the future of our children and protecting and safeguarding them, regardless of the physical and social things that distinguish us as individuals. Our courts declare that the welfare of children is of paramount importance; it is time that our society truly embraces and demonstrates an appreciation of this maxim. Or do we wait to act until the issue gets closer to us? I believe that as a people we are more conscionable and responsible, and it is therefore time to act collectively to protect our children from sexual predators. I believe that for too long we have treated complaints of this nature too lightly. Some cases test our principles, ethics and morals as a nation, and they may lead to unfortunate conclusions that could very well cause or encourage this upsurge in inhuman acts directed at our children.
These reports, whether confirmed or not, of sexual molestation of our children are abhorrent and unimaginable in a society like ours. This bleeding must stop, lest we are left with a nation whose future generations will be in constant emotional and psychological turmoil, with lasting scars on the victims. It is time to act collectively to end this barbarism. This high level of sexual abuse of our children leaves nothing but a bitter taste in my mouth, I therefore, call on the Guyana Parliament to act swiftly and treat this matter as a priority. The safety and lives of our children are at the crossroads and a national collective response is needed.
It is time that regardless of party lines, we come up with concrete recommendations to halt this tragic state of affairs. It is clear that the Ministry of Social Services cannot, effectively, deal with this situation and that we need all hands on deck. The clock is ticking! Our children need protection.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
