Dear Editor,
“Darling I am sorry, but is you mek me hit yuh” is Minister Ramsaran’s tone in what the media is sharing as his apology for expressing his fantasy to not only slap up a woman who demands accountability from him, but also that he will get his women to strip her.
Many men and even women across the political spectrum would agree with the Minister, – is “de woman ‘mek’ – the woman ‘provoked him’ to anger.
There is no accountability, no personal responsibility for the underlying sexist attitudes which guide Minister Ramsaran’s behaviour. His contempt for the women of his party is also clear – he believes that the women of the PPP would join him in stripping any woman who questions his work.
It is now clear why the health sector has not developed its role in responding to domestic violence and sexual violence.
It is clear why there is no concern or responsibility for the lack of rape kits at the hospitals.
The PPP which passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and the Domestic Violence Act has degenerated into one which supports and nurtures a Minister who has deep contempt for women and whose Ministry cannot fulfil its obligations to women.
President Ramotar must ensure that Minister Ramsaran resigns.
Apologies are not the penalties for the assaults on women which the Minister desires when he says he is provoked to anger.
Yours faithfully,
Vidyaratha Kissoon