Dear Editor,
The recent allegations leveled against the suspended Minister of Local Government and Regional Development is damning and an embarrassment for the government and our country. Amidst the call for a resignation by interest groups, many have felt that the President should have done the honourable thing and have the Minister terminated immediately. The cloud of conviction hanging over the disgusting, shameful and uncouth behaviour by a senior member of the cabinet is distracting to the important work of the government in administrating the affairs of its citizens. Had the President terminated the Minister, it would have demonstrated his empathy to protect the brilliant young assets of the nation, our children, of which he can relate to as being a father of two children.
The current episode of events surrounding the alleged rapist has implications on a parent’s responsibility in protecting their child. It is unfathomable to think that parents would allow their under-age children, a 15-year-old girl to be in the company of her younger sibling at a government official’s residence. If they were, “concerns” that the parent needed to be addressed as stated by the teenager’s missive that should have been handled on an adult-to-adult level. Parents should always be vigilant to protect their children from sick, perverted and disgusting human behaviours as exhibited by the alleged rapist. Additionally, parents must create an environment for their children to converse with them regularly to engage on issues affecting their social and mental being.
Based on the Sexual Offence’s Act of 2010 “A person who commits the offence of rape is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.” (Part 2, section 3, line 3). Notwithstanding a conviction by the court, this case creates a monumental opportunity for the people of Guyana in setting the standard for unwanted behaviours by those that may use executive privilege to groom, coerce and destroy our children. With great actions comes great consequences.
Sincerely,
Collin Haynes
