Dear Editor,
In response to a letter published in the Stabroek News of August 17, 2012, the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security wishes to publicly state that the letter is not entirely accurate, specifically as it relates to the amendments pertaining to the Sexual Offences Act 2010.
Given the political will demonstrated in the passing of the Sexual Offences Act, and the endorsement of same, by no lesser a person than the then President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, we find it odd that the letter writer would question the sincerity of the government in its stated intention of stamping out sexual violence. The writer’s suggestion that then Minister of Human Services was more interested in politics than in looking out for victims of sexual violence is misplaced and we believe given the Minister’s efforts over the years, there is evidence of her commitment to issues relating to women and children.
After the Act was passed, and consultations hosted by the government, the need for amendments to the Sexual Offences Act was recognized. Those amendments were drafted and sent to the Attorney General’s chambers. This was done in the midst of the elections season. We are therefore refuting the contention that elections and politics took precedence over the amendments.
The letter writer, Ms Danuta Radzik, is aware that the proposed amendments were submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers, and that the Bill to amend the Sexual Offences Act is currently being finalised. In fact, Ms Radzik attended the last Sexual Offences Task Force meeting where the issue was discussed and I in my capacity as Minister of Human Services and Social Security clearly made this known.
We have been informed by the Attorney General’s Chambers that the Bill will be ready after the parliamentary recess, and shall be laid in the National Assembly for debate and passage into law.
In addition, the ministry reconvened the National Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence on May 16, 2012. However, subsequent meetings have not been held as the ministry is currently awaiting the nomination of representatives from other stakeholders to serve on the broad-based task force.
The ministry wishes to take this opportunity to assure everyone that it prioritises issues relating to our women and children, particularly sexual offences. The ministry is committed to ensuring that the Sexual Offences Act is amended and implemented as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully,
Jennifer Webster MP
Minister of Human Services &
Social Security
