A government minister has issued a strong warning about the penalties for statutory rape.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues during a recent six-day visit to Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) received disturbing reports about carnal knowledge of minors, including fathers raping their daughters. The minister urged community leaders and other concerned members to condemn such acts, GINA reported.
The minister was accompanied by Regional Chairman Senor Bell and other officials of the region who discussed with residents issues affecting their livelihood.
The legal age of consent for sexual intercourse according to Chapter 8.01 of the Laws of Guyana, Criminal Offence Act (amended) is 16-years-old.
The minister issued the warning about statutory rape while speaking to residents of Paramakatoi, Kamana, Wipa, Kato, Monkey Mountain, Kaibarupai, Kurukabaru, Itabac and other communities in the Pakaraimas, GINA stated
Meantime, Rodrigues told residents about government’s intention to establish a new law which will strengthen the campaign against statutory rape. The proposed law will make it mandatory for health workers or nurses to report to the local authorities cases where pregnant girls below the age of 16 turn up for treatment.
“Once that is done then the police will be able to apprehend the perpetrators. I am raising this issue with you because some people will say that it is cultural for Amerindian people to engage in sexual activities at a young age but we have to understand that a person that is 16 years and under is still regarded as a child according to our laws,” GINA quoted Rodrigues as saying.
She also used the occasion while visiting the Paramakatoi Secondary School to speak to students about statutory rape, urging that Amerindian communities empower themselves by becoming familiar with the laws of Guyana.
Strengthening protection against sexual violence and reforming laws on sexual offences against children have been high on government’s agenda since 2007, GINA noted.
Countrywide consultations on the “Stamp It Out” campaign were held by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
