Dear Editor,
It is no surprise that the woman and her daughter who applied to remain in Canada under the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) system was granted permission temporarily to do so based on lack of police protection against abusers of women in Guyana. The PRRA system is the last avenue to remain in Canada after losing all hearings and appeals.
Domestic violence is prevalent in Guyana and the authorities are doing nothing to help prevent these abuses, although many organizations are well funded for this cause. The police usually take the side of the men.
Many Guyanese women are now claiming refugee status in Canada because of domestic violence against them and many of them have legitimate claims because of lack of protection from the state and abuses at the hands of the law enforcers. The government has set up agencies to deal with these abuses but are they working? Only recently a mother of two was stabbed nine times and bail of $300,000 was granted to the perpetrator who is on the loose and without any restrictions.
The women’s organizations and government never gave this mother a helping hand or counselling as I am in contact with this unfortunate woman.
In the past Guyanese were claiming refugee status in Canada based on discrimination, sexual orientation and criminal activity, but now Guyanese women are adding a new dimension to the refugee system – domestic violence in Guyana.
When will the Guyana Government be as compassionate and humanitarian as the Canadian Government?
Yours faithfully,
Balwant Persaud
