Non-governmental organisation (NGO), ChildLink yesterday denied any perceived harassment of the complainant in the rape allegation against Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall and also said it had nothing to do with leaked information on the case.
The conduct of child NGOs has come under scrutiny since it was reported that the complainant had issued a `No Further Action‘ (NFA) statement to the police on Friday and that the complaint appeared on the verge of collapse. The police are to forward the file with the statement of the child to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) today for advice. ChildLink is one of two NGOs involved in the case and yesterday it explained its side of events in the matter.
ChildLink said that in the current case of sexual abuse allegations against the Government Minister, “we wish to clearly outline the role of ChildLinK as part of the investigative apparatus. The various disclosures that have been made regarding this young woman’s posture and position on this matter are regrettable and none can be attributed to ChildLinK including her last statements.
While we would have preferred to maintain our usual and resolute discreet position in this case, we are constrained to respond to the concerns of the public regarding ChildLinK’s role in this matter. First, we wish to categorically distance ChildLinK from any actual or perceived involvement in any alleged harassment, fatigue or frustration of this young woman’s effort at justice.
“The confidential nature of the (Child Advocacy Centre) CAC is fully understood by ChildLinK and has never been in question. We have observed all protocols with key stakeholders requiring the services of the CAC over the years and to date have never breached this practice.
We understand the gravity of this current case and the immense mental stress this child has and continues to endure. This places a greater responsibility on ChildLinK to respect her dignity and that of every child who participates in our programme.
Over the years, ChildLinK’s professional practice including our work in the CACs has been consistent and respected by all stakeholders. We have provided our services with integrity and the critical work of others involved in providing CAC services has been respected by ChildLinK.
The accusation of leakages in this current case is troubling, ChildLinK maintains that it has acted professionally in all of its involvement in this case”.
ChildLink said that on June 30th – the day the police disclosed that the child had decided to give a NFA – the Police requested the Georgetown-based CAC to conduct a forensic interview to complete the investigation. ChildLink said that the police raised concerns on the apparent breaches of protocols. Shortly into the interview with the complainant, ChildLink said the child brought to the attention of the CAC staff that she had already given a statement on the said morning of no further action. ChildLink said that the CAC team immediately wrapped up the interview and did not proceed with any questions. No further statements were taken.
It would appear from the ChildLink statement that most of the engagement with the complainant was via another NGO.
In its statement yesterday, ChildLink said that over the past almost nine years, the CACs have conducted more than 4000 forensic interviews and the NGO reflected on what happens when there are delays in prosecutions.
“These statements were submitted to the relevant authorities to decide on prosecution. The delayed prosecution has often times resulted in children withdrawing their reports. In cases where children withdraw from the process, it is important that they receive significant psychosocial and legal support to ensure that they clearly understand the legal process. Children who withdrew have expressed feeling pressured and don’t wish to be publicly reminded of the abuse, among other concerns. We at ChildLinK believe that far too many responsibilities rest on the victims to provide the evidence of this crime. Therefore, all stakeholders should work assiduously in the best interest of the child and for the child’s safety and to stop the systemic abuse against victims”, ChildLinK said.
ChildLinK added that the operations of the Child Advocacy Centres are a global model for responding to the critical concerns of sexual abuse perpetrated against children and young people. It added that in Guyana, the Child Advocacy Centre is an innovative addition to the services of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) which commenced under the leadership of the now retired CPA Director in partnership with ChildLinK in 2014.
“The efficiency and effectiveness of the CAC rest largely on the collaboration of several key stakeholders, inclusive of the Guyana Police Force, Judiciary, Ministry of Health, and local not for profit organizations who manage the operations of the CACs across the ten administrative regions. Key to the success of the CAC services is confidentiality and maintaining the best interest of the child. ChildLinK is currently delivering CAC services in six administrative regions in Guyana”, the statement said.
