Dear Editor,
The shocking story about a Guyanese teenage girl who was sexually abused by her uncle who is a Bishop in his congregation in Barbados has caught the attention of several child rights and protection advocates. This is a grave situation as two family members of the girl and the Bishop indicated that several other girls were sexually abused by this Bishop. The two family members of the Bishop shared that he was transferred to another congregation in Barbados when it was discovered that he was sexually abusing young girls in his congregation in Guyana.
The mother of the teen victim spoke out about the matter in a heart-wrenching live Facebook video that is currently circulating on the social platforms. The mother indicated that her brother (the Bishop), who lives in Barbados, invited both her and her daughter to live with him. It was during their stay in Barbados that her daughter endured 10 months of sexual abuse at the hands of her uncle (the Bishop), the mother’s brother. This young girl was possibly abused by the Bishop and his wife. The mom claimed that she trusted her brother, and did not expect him to commit such a heinous act against her daughter.
Also speaking out in the video was the mother’s cousin, who claimed she was also sexually abused by the Bishop when she was younger. Both adults claimed that the perpetrator has been abusing young girls for years. The mom is seeking help and justice for her teenage daughter, who she said was and still is deeply affected by the sexual abuse. To make a report to the Police about the abuse, the mom and her daughter need to travel to Barbados where the abuse took place, however, due to financial constraints this is being delayed but some support is being garnered by the public and host of the conversation.
This case is a reminder that many children and young people are suffering at the hands of sexual predators in faith-based organizations and many congregants join in covering up this crime against humanity. Children Rights are Human Rights and Guyana as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Children since 1989 have an obligation to uphold these rights. Further in keeping with its Constitutional obligations to report on all the Articles enshrined within the UNCRC when filing the Statutory Periodic Report to the UNCRC Committee. Hence, this case is a reminder that children need to be protected against this crime which has serious long term effects both physically and mentally. As advocates for children’s protection we urge the relevant agencies and authorities and in particular families to get involved, offer support and assistance to report sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse is a criminal matter and it is not for faith-based organizations to take an approach to address this crime internally. It is a crime to cover up sexual abuse and to blame the young person or child which is exactly what this Bishop is doing, he told his sister that her daughter seduced him. He is over 40 years old and the young girl is 15 years old. The perpetrators of such abuse should not be allowed to hide behind excuses or in this case, power and status in religion and get away with their actions. The Sexual Offences Legislation places a responsibility on all adults to report sexual abuse to the Police.
As advocates we remind all adults that children by their very nature are vulnerable and have a right to protection from all forms of abuse. It is imperative for us to acknowledge that crucial efforts must be made immediately to ensure everyone knows how and where to report cases of sexual abuse. Adults should also know that sexual abuse predators are usually from within the family and or known by the child or young person. Everyone should know the importance of their role in protecting every child in their care against sexual abuse and exploitation and understand the consequences of not stopping abuse includes more abuse being perpetrated against the child or young person, victims self-harming, thoughts of suicide and suicide.
Faith-based organizations and their supporters must do more to prevent abuse by not covering it up and removing the shame and stigma around reporting, encourage open discussions including on the requirements of the local law and the responsibilities of those who are placed in a position of trust, such as Reverends/ Bishops, Pandits, Imams, Priests and Elders. We all have a responsibility to create a Guyanese society where every child is living in a safe and secure family and community. This letter raises many questions about child sexual abuse in faith-based organizations and the lack of accountability for the actions of faith leaders and their congregations in reporting sexual abuse.
We call on faith-based leaders to demonstrate a complete zero tolerance against abuse and call for champions within faith-based organizations to protect children and young people. Silence is violence! All acts and suspicions of child abuse must be reported to the closest police station, or by calling the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) on 227-0979 or 914 hotline.
Sincerely
Blossom Inc.
Child Rights Alliance (CRA)
Patentia Achievers
United Bricklayers
Youth With Purpose
ChildLinK
Women and Gender Equality
Commission
Rights of the Child Commission
We Care Guyana
SASOD
Youth Breaking Boundaries
