Dear Editor,
Several day ago, I had the displeasure of witnessing a harrowing incident of child abuse in a most distressing video shared on several social media platforms. As distasteful and uncomfortably painful as it was, it underscored a profound and urgent need for more societal and governmental actions to be taken to address this matter and other liked issues with greater degree of urgency and seriousness. As a society we have to move beyond the rhetoric and invoke much needed action to put an end or drastically reduce such unwanted societal ills and scourge.
The sight of an adult male, purportedly the child’s stepfather, inflicting such grievous harm on a child, no older than three years old is an affront to humanity and love. It is a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues of all forms of abuse within our communities that must be addressed frontally, especially those that affect our children, women and the elderly. It was clear for all to see the anguish and trauma on the child’s face, mingled with his constant ‘tattooed’ tears. A picture, too painful to bear, reflecting the depths of cruelty one human can inflict on another, especially upon an innocent child.
Such brutality raises pressing questions about the nature and psyche of the perpetrator. What drives a person to descend into such a depraved mental abyss, to engage in such an act against their own flesh and blood or anyone else for that matter? One shudders to consider the violence this man might have inflicted upon others, including the child’s mother or other women. The deeper question to ask, was he himself a victim of abuse, perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence and abuse? Or, does he suffer from untreated or undiagnosed mental health issues?
This horrifying act shines a spotlight on the critical importance of addressing mental health, suicide and domestic violence issues in and around different communities in Guyana. Mental health services must be given the attention and resources they urgently need. It is imperative for the government to implement robust mental health support systems, ensuring that individuals who need help can access it before they resort to violence. Mental health, domestic violence, and child abuse are interlinked issues that require a coordinated and comprehensive strategic approach to be implemented.
Moreover, this incident reiterates the timeless adage: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In a truly supportive community, such severe cases of child abuse and parental neglect would have been more likely noticed and addressed promptly. Community members have a moral and social responsibility to be vigilant, to look out for signs of abuse, and to intervene when necessary. We must foster environments where children can grow up safely, with the support and protection of the entire community. We all need to be our brother’s keeper irrespective of race, religion or political persuasion.
Government’s intervention is crucial, but it must be complemented by active community involvement. Laws and policies must be enforced rigorously, with “stringent and firm penalties” for those who commit acts of violence and abuse. At the same time, community programs should be developed to educate and empower residents to play an active role in safeguarding the welfare of children, women and the elderly.
It would be remiss of me not to state that creating safe spaces for children is not just about removing immediate threats; it involves nurturing environments where children can thrive, free from fear and harm. This requires a concerted and deliberate effort from all sectors of society, including government, religious organisations, non-profits, and local communities. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a loving, supportive, and safe environment.
In conclusion, I reiterate that the brutal act of child abuse witnessed in that shared video is a call to action for all of us. Firstly, I call on the government and make the demand for justice, for that innocent victim and for a collective commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future. Secondly, as a society, as Guyanese people, we must prioritize mental health, tackle domestic violence head-on, and foster a community spirit where everyone is responsible for the well-being of our children, women and the elderly. Only then can we hope to build a society where such horrific acts are a thing of the past, and every child can enjoy a safe and nurturing upbringing.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP
