Dear Editor,
Kaieteur News of July 17, reported that the stepfather of three underage sisters was detained for allegedly sexually assaulting them and then ejecting them from the home. For some inexplicable reason I am arriving at the conclusion that the present government has misplaced priorities. It has been said by wiser folks that you can fairly judge the character of any society by the manner in which it treats the weak, the vulnerable and the most easily forgotten. These females, representatives of the next generation, satisfy at least two of the criteria on which such judgement could be made. Situations such as these tug relentlessly at the heartstrings of any human, let alone those who are responsible for the bringing of another life into this world.
Why did the neighbours wait so late to express their concerns? Of what were they fearful, apart from the invective that spewed from the mother’s mouth whenever they tried to give them food? Were these girls attending school? Were the representatives of the educational and social system ever aware of their existence? What do the teachers have to say? What prior knowledge, if any, did welfare officers have? It is stated that they suffered physical abuse allegedly at the hands of both mother and stepfather as reported by the neighbours.
Regarding the mother of these children, her present situation deals a blow to the healthcare system, exposing the inadequacies of its so-called professionals. In obstetrical terms this mother would be referred to as a ‘grand multipara’. Who was responsible for her obstetrical care, etc? Were any authorities informed after at least her seventh successful delivery? Was any form of birth control or sterilization suggested or offered to this mother? She would be a prime candidate for post-partum depression, so was she followed up during her post-partum period(s)? If so, by whom?
I was formerly in charge of the post-partum unit of a large university affiliated hospital, where policies stipulated that the home and social conditions be thoroughly investigated and documented prior to the discharge of the parent and newborn, especially in the case of primigavidae and multiparous patients. Newborns and any siblings at risk would be signalled to the Department of Youth Protection or any agency deemed appropriate to the well-being of the child/children. The 14th delivery of any female would raise red flags, ring bells and cause the wide opening of eyes, especially when given this woman’s history prior to delivery. Was everyone with whom she came into contact so blind, disinterested or neglectful as not to bring it to the attention of the appropriate authorities, if not for the parent’s sake at least for the well-being of the existing children? What type of home conditions would a 14th child be entering? Did anyone inquire as to how the other siblings were faring?
As a 100% bona fide Guyanese who stills holds my native land and the well-being of its citizenry near and dear to my heart, I am calling on the relevant regional and central government authorities to fully investigate this social tragedy that certainly highlights gross neglect and incompetence at all levels.
Yours faithfully,
Yvonne Sam
