The Women and Gender Equality Commission has added its voice to those condemning the alleged sexual and physical assault of detainee Colwyn Harding while in police custody, calling for an independent inquiry while highlighting a number of other concerns affecting the public that must be addressed.
The commission, in a statement, said it was alarmed at the allegations made by Harding and viewed the alleged act as a violation of the victim’s human rights, for which those responsible must be brought to justice.
“We urge [the] enforcer[s] of the law to desist from any forms of beastly types of behaviour towards suspects and their families,” the group said.
Harding, who was hospitalised for weeks, alleged that he was beaten and raped by police attached to the Timehri Police Station. The police have since launched an investigation and the rank implicated is under close arrest. Meanwhile, Harding’s relatives have flown him to Jamaica for further medical treatment after he was released from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he had undergone two operations for what officials said was an incarcerated hernia.
Meanwhile, the commission said it is also concerned about the increase in various types of violence in the society and is willing to work along with all other agencies to help change the negative and destructive attitudes of those prone to antisocial behaviours. In addition, it condemned the negative portrayal of women in music and in the media; the promotion of popular songs and celebrities who condone violence and abuse, denigrate sexuality and human rights as well as the lewd behaviours of some revellers at the local Mashramani celebrations.
Noise nuisance is also a social and health hazard that has become endemic “and the general lack of necessary action by the relevant authorities and its ongoing promulgation is unacceptable,” the group said.
The commission also said it observed on November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women and other related human rights observances up to December 10 by visiting over 45 schools to interact and educate children about violence via sessions titled ‘Family violence leads to despair, destruction and death.’ Plans are in train to continue this programme throughout the year and to further publicise the themes discussed therein by displaying posters in police stations and in other public spaces.
A conference on the occasion of International Women’s Day has also been planned for March 7 where participants will have the opportunity to discuss its five-year strategic plan with a view to partnering in the four thematic areas. Regarding some of its programmes last year, the commission said that its ‘Access to Justice’ programme provided a unique opportunity for commissioners to hear from stakeholders and citizens about their concerns about the gaps in the system and the challenges they face in accessing justice and to receive their recommendations. It said these have informed its platform for action this year and its strategic plan.
Meanwhile, the group also paid tribute to the late Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Josiah, who died last year following an accident. The group remembers Josiah as “exemplary police officer, who always stood up for women’s rights, for the rule of law and was a dedicated advocate for the implementation by the police force of the Domestic Violence Act who led by example.” It recommends in his honour and legacy, the setting up of the Annual Derrick Josiah Award for a Police Officer who has demonstrated in an exceptional way the upholding of the Domestic Violence Act.
