Dear Editor,
A quick apology from an abusive spouse is almost a cliché. The abusive behaviour displayed by sitting government Minister Bheri Ramsaran is yet another stain on the wall of shame that represents the history of violence against women in Guyana.
Sherlina Nageer was exercising her democratic right to hold a government minister accountable for the abysmal performance of the ministry for which he is responsible. Her questioning and tone were quite appropriate, and Editor, I would make the case that she was in fact doing the work of a responsible citizen, a responsible journalist, a responsible member of civic society when she questioned him intensely, and did not allow him to get away with the “we’ll do better next time” excuse.
The Minister’s vicious response and then subsequent half-hearted apology to Ms Nageer reminds of a perpetrator, who after engaging in abusive behaviour, takes the time to convince the victim that the attack he experienced was his fault.
Minister Ramsaran’s apology is of no consequence to the women of Guyana. The ease with which he attempted to demean, dismiss, and devalue Ms Nageer reflects the repressive and abusive master-servant disposition which so many citizens, and too often women, struggle to survive each day. It is simply not enough to apologize and move on.
For their obviously corrosive views of fifty percent of our population, this minister, like his other ministerial colleague Anil Nandlall, is not fit to hold office and to represent the people of Guyana. Moreover, Guyanese citizens should not be saddled with the responsibility of paying the salary of an abuser. Bheri Ramsaran should resign.
Yours faithfully,
Karen Abrams
Director, Human Equity
Ratings Organization, Inc.
