Women and children are considered “other” in society. This means that their lives are always seen to be of less value in comparison to men. When we add considerations such as race and class into the mix, we get a grim reality of inequity that demonstrates society’s distaste for those who are seen to exist on the margins of society. The recent allegations of sexual assault by an Indigenous schoolgirl against Nigel Dharamlall is an example that puts all of that on display.
The PPP/C has a long history of hiding behind the law with calls to let justice “run its course” when it comes to the violent men in its party. It is something that should worry us all as these men’s access to vulnerable children provides them with leeway to harm and scar them.
We must ask the question as to why so many survivors of violence are now sharing their stories on social media rather than going to the police. Could it be that they have no trust or faith in it? Why should they after all, when justice in our context is something that can easily be bought and paid for, especially when the victim is a young Indigenous girl and the alleged perpetrator a bigwig in the ruling party? Child sexual groomers are rife. They are known of, protected and promoted, whereas their victims are constantly vilified and branded as liars. The government has a responsibility to its citizens, but one thing we can always count on is them dismissing the concerns of citizens. They continue to send a dangerous message to survivors of violence that their voices and experiences do not matter. What this does is allow these predators to continue with impunity, ensuring the perpetuation of abuse.
The words of Anil Nandlall that protest actions amount to interference in the investigations is telling – albeit not surprising – regarding the way in which the powerful close ranks around those within their orbit. Instead of chopping off the diseased foot on their body, they target anyone that challenges them. It is quite amazing to me that citizens who protest against the atrocities allowed to continue are the ones facing the harshest criticism from members of the government and the Director of Public Prosecutions, while the alleged abuser is treated with kid gloves. How is one granted the leeway to willingly proceed on administrative leave from office in cases such as these? What does justice mean when power holders are clearly choosing to side with an alleged abuser while trying to maintain the illusion of justice? Whatever modicum of trust might have still been held in the justice system has been significantly eroded and further undermines the credibility of the government. It is quite a strange place we live in.
Citizen dissent is important in any functioning democracy, so it is not surprising that the PPP/C constantly tries to suppress it and brands protesters calling for justice in the matter as being politically motivated. Our very narrow view of politics has done us a disservice. Politics is not just about the government and the opposition, it is about the values with which one lives their lives and the views they hold on issues from the economy to human rights. So in that vein, yes, the protests are political in nature, all citizen action is political.
The government has yet another opportunity to tackle child sexual grooming from a principled stance and is yet again failing. Political considerations and power are the only things that matter to them. They cannot be relied upon, they cannot be taken seriously. Citizens must continue to dissent against the established pattern of predators within public office, to protect future victims from their claws. There is no commendable future for Guyana that does not protect its children or provide justice for those who have been harmed.
