In condemning the vicious murders of three women within the past week the PNCR said that domestic violence continues unchecked, and is calling on government to step up its efforts in tackling the problem.
Referring to the brutal murders of victims, Omawattie Kallicharran, Krishandai Singh and Sharmin McKay, the party said that the violence not only leads to the loss of life, but also deprives the families concerned of the nurturing qualities which are usually provided by the mother.
The party, in a press statement on Friday, said it is calling on government once again to “reinforce the institutional capacity along with existing measures and laws, so that there could be a concerted non partisan national programme, including public education, to confront the scourge of domestic violence, particularly the traumatic impact on families through the loss of their mothers.”
There is still need for further training in the police force, the party said, while acknowledging that some members of the force are working hard. But the PNCR pointed to the need for the force to be trained in how to deal with reports and methods to prevent the spread of domestic violence.
The party also focused on the judicial system saying that there must be an examination of the response of the justice system to cases of domestic violence to determine whether it is adequate or whether there is need for it to be improved and strengthened.
The PNCR also pointed to the importance of understanding the root causes of domestic violence and developing effective programmes to address its eradication from all levels of the society.
“The measures being recommended, by this party and others, could benefit from the involvement of the Social Sciences Faculty of the University of Guyana and other institutions with the required expertise, including the University of the West Indies.
Further, the party spoke of the need to examine the various reasons behind what is fuelling domestic violence in the society, adding that the time has come for bold measures to be implemented to protect women and prevent further loss of life.
Singh, Kallicharran and McKay are the latest in a string of women murdered allegedly by their partners this year.