A Muslim scholar attached to the Turkeyen Masjid was recently accused of sexually molesting four boys, aged 4 to 10 years old, and has since been arrested and released on station bail.
It is alleged that the scholar molested the children who are all members of the Masjid and to whom he had become very close, after teaching them for some time. He has since been sent on leave, while investigations are ongoing.
Minister of Human Services Jennifer Webster yesterday told Stabroek News that the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) received an anonymous tip earlier this week and began an investigation.
“In accordance with the act, they are bound by law to investigate every complaint received and so they did and after that, the police were called in,” Webster explained.
While the police continue their investigations, Webster said, the matter has been referred to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Meanwhile, the four children have been place in the care of the Child Protection Agency since they are said to be traumatized and will receive counselling.
Though she had not yet received a full report from the CCPA, Minister Webster said she strongly condemns child sexual abuse and will deal with this instance very strongly. “We have a responsibility and duty to our children,” she added.
The man implicated in the matter has been sent on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, his employer, the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) said in a press release.
It stated that the CIOG will not condone any unlawful act. “Our nation’s children are our hope for the future, and caring for them is one of our greatest responsibilities. Our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy families, protecting children and supporting communities throughout this country remains unblemished,” the statement indicated.
Efforts to make these plans more effective will be strengthened and the CIOG will continue work to ensure all children are able to live free of abuse and neglect by advocating for the safety of all youths, it added.
Expressing similar views was the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), which, in a press release, indicated that the Muslim faith condemns such abominations and that the Muslim authorities in no way support such disgraceful behaviour.
The organisation called for a full investigation into the matter and for the perpetrator to be brought to justice, regardless of his social standing.
While noting that the Shari’ah (Islamic law) sets capital punishment for one found guilty of such a crime, it was pointed out that no verdict should be passed until the judicial process is complete.
“The GIT likewise deplores all attempts to vilify our noble religion; cast aspersions on the characters of our leaders and scholars and ridicule Muslims as they go about their lives as hard working, decent and law-abiding citizens of Guyana,” the statement said.
