Dear Editor,
The disrespectful and abusive behaviour of persons in position of leadership in Guyana has been a feature of politics in Guyana for many years. Dr. Bheri Ramsaran’s threats of physical violence to and his verbal abuse of women’s and social activist Sherlina Nageer is however a new low and demonstrates that abuse of women by our decision makers is alive, and well, and can be made with virtual impunity, as evidenced by the responses from President Donald Ramotar and others.
Dr. Ramsaran’s ‘defence’, that he was “provoked” by Ms Nageer is the same excuse given by many perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence. There is a name for this, and for the education of the president, Dr. Ramsaran and all others clinging to the justification of “provocation”, it is called victim blaming.
And who, upon hearing of the further derogatory and libelous remarks made by Dr. Ramsaran the day after his ‘apology’, would believe that the apology had even a scintilla of sincerity.
Those of us who have been working to reduce gender-based and sexual violence and sexual harassment for years know from experience and extensive research that unless the offender takes full responsibility for his or her actions there will be no progress and that the behaviour will continue to manifest itself and likely escalate. Just as alcoholics, who blame the bottle for their physical, sexual and psychological abuse, Dr. Ramsaran and his supporters are on slippery ground in trying to use provocation as a defence.
Dr, Bheri Ramsaran’s behaviour cannot be excused, condoned or tolerated because of service or good deeds if this is so then many of those found guilty and convicted of domestic violence, murder, femicide and other crimes would have been forgiven, this is not an acceptable defence.
We do not know if race played a part in Dr. Ramsaran’s response to Ms. Nageer’s questions and comments, but there has been enough evidence in Guyana of increased insults and hate speech when those considered to be our ‘matti’ break cultural and ethnic rank and join those who are perceived as the enemy. As to class, Dr. Ramsaran’s response contained a clear implication that someone who is neither his peer nor from the affluent or ruling class does not have the right to question his record or remind him that as minister of health he is answerable to all Guyanese, especially poor women who use the public medical services extensively.
The language used by Dr. Ramsaran to denigrate Ms Nageer is chillingly like that used by perpetrators to their victims. Worse yet, the threat of stripping mirrors the worst kind of behaviour used to shame and debase women.
Let us remind Dr. Ramsaran that his threats to use “his women” to strip Ms. Nageer, if carried out would have constituted a sexual assault under the Sexual Offences Act, as using others to carry out any sexual offence is treated as if one had carried it out oneself.
If the president and the PPP are genuine in wishing to stamp out domestic abuse, femicides and sexual violence in Guyana, then they have no other option than to dismiss Dr. Ramsaran from the government. His actions cannot be wiped away by apologies, much less victim blaming ones.
The “proud record” of the PPP in defending women’s rights has been badly tarnished by the likes of Dr. Ramsaran and Attorney General Anil Nandlall. Let us not forget that when the latter was heard trying to secure the sexual ‘favours’ of a young female reporter for the pleasure of his uncle, no action was taken against him despite numerous calls for his dismissal. Dr. Ramsaran must therefore have felt no small measure of security that his abuse of Ms. Nageer would be tolerated and even defended.
Let us be clear: we are not defending or condoning similar abuse meted out to women by members of any political administration either in or out of office. All abuse of women is unacceptable, should never be tolerated and should be punished if we are to ensure that women’s rights and justice for women become a reality.
We demand the immediate dismissal of Dr. Ramsaran. He presents a threat to the well-being of Guyanese women and is a disgrace to his profession, the government and peoples of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Josephine Whitehead
Joy Marcus
Leila Jagdeo
Pat Sheerattan Bisnauth for GRPA
Wintress White
Danuta Radzik
