Dear Editor,
I agree with most of what Sahadeo Bates’ letter said in SN …Society remains unconvinced Government is serious in the fight against Violence Against Women – Stabroek News. However, he mentioned that….” It is no secret that the former president (now Vice President) Jagdeo does not have a clean slate. The media was very busy at one time publishing the cries of former First Lady Varshnie, his ex-wife.” Most are talking about the female victims of Domestic Violence in Guyana but very few are addressing/paying attention to males. What about the men who are suffering in silence.
Throughout the Singh vs Jagdeo saga, we heard only ONE side. Ms. Singh had a press conference to air her side and in all these years since, we have never heard anyone ask Mr. Jagdeo his side of the story. Maybe he would just brush it aside to let it be as he seems fiercely private of his personal life but as we see in Bates’ letter, until Mr. Jagdeo clear the air, so to speak, he will always be referred to as a perpetrator of Domestic Violence. Is this the legacy that Mr. Jagdeo wants to leave behind? As a survivor of Domestic Violence, myself, I can tell you that it lives with you forever. No matter how much counselling you get, it is etched on your psyche and it affects your future relationships. In Guyana, what assistance are given to victims, especially males? Can a male actually admit much less accept that he is a victim of Domestic Violence?
I personally know too many male victims of Domestic Violence and it scars them forever. The shame that they carry around is the saddest thing to witness and they cannot talk or admit that they were victims. Women can come out easily if they want to and seek help but men? I pray that one day Mr. Jagdeo tells his side of the story. He owes it to his own legacy as a leader in Guyana. He also needs to set an example so that males can come out and tell their story. As the saying goes…there are 3 sides of a story!!!
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Provided)