The Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) yesterday called for a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent probe to determine whether there is any criminal culpability on the part of Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall in relation to allegations made by a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
In a statement, GAPSW said that the “underlying allegations of rape and sodomy are most disturbing and particularly troubling that the young complainant is a member of our indigenous peoples” and who had participated in an event over which the Minister had some official responsibility.
The GAPSW noted that the National Assembly in 2010 passed the Sexual Offences Act which defines a child to mean anyone under the age of 18 years old. GAPSW said that the Act has among its purposes the fair and just treatment of complainants who suffer the pain and ignominy of sexual attacks.
“The Association calls on the Government, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that the letter and spirit of this Act is fully respected. Further, Protection of Children Act 2009 and Guyana as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1991), requires adherence to policies and protocols in the best interest of children that protects and promote their holistic wellbeing”, the statement said. The GAPSW said it expects that this mandate will be “credibly, vigorously, and consistently fulfilled by all governing and social welfare agencies responsible for children in Guyana, regardless of the prestige status of alleged perpetrators”.
According to the GAPSW, the inquiry should form the basis of standards and protocols to prevent any recurrence. The association also encouraged the public, social media, and media houses to act responsibly and adhere to “Anonymity of the Complainant,” as articulated in Article 62. (1) of the Sexual Offences Act.
The Association says it stands ready to help in any way possible to contribute towards the well-being of the complainant and the rehabilitative process associated with alleged perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
