A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday called for a “fresh” inquiry into the New Opportunity Corps since the Ministry of Youth “seems reluctant to ensure that an efficient inquiry brings to light what has been going on at the NOC.”
Subject Minister Dr Frank Anthony had on Thursday welcomed the investigation of alleged sexual and physical abuse of residents at the New Opportunity Corps.
Four girls were removed from the NOC last Saturday following a court order obtained by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), which has since commenced an investigation into the allegations in tandem with the Guyana Police Force. The move to the court followed a report to the agency by the mothers of the four girls.
Opposition Leader David Granger said at a press briefing on Friday that one of the main problems at the NOC is that there has been mismanagement, which has been going on for some time. He added that the ministry has not taken corrective action against the situation.
Granger opined that the recommendations given by Justice Winston Moore should be taken “and rectify the faults.”
He added that what was needed was a thorough investigation that goes deeper than what Moore was asked to do. “There needs to be a fresh inquiry. Maybe this time he won’t put Justice Moore… It is not just one incident…. What we are talking about is a pattern of mismanagement.”
On Thursday, Anthony had said that he could not release what he did not have and expressed the hope that Justice Moore will soon provide the final copy of the report. The minister said once received the ministry will make it available.
Meanwhile, when contacted on Thursday Justice Moore, who has since been appointed as the country’s Ombudsman, acknowledged that there is a pending final report that he undertook to write himself.
