Dear Editor,
SN reported on problems with child protection in Port Kaituma, and the poor response of the local government officials. SN summarised in the article on Nov 17, 2024 that neither the “Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development nor the NDC seemed to care”. This lack of care conflicts with all of the calls from the Government about child protection is “everybody’s business” and reflects the problem when all laws might be in place, but hearts and minds not functioning well.
There are many local government bodies, of all political affiliations, who have supported activities for child protection and responding to other social problems. These local government bodies have worked with non-governmental and other organisations to increase awareness in their communities. SN reported in August 2024 that the Ordnance/Fort Lands NDC in Region 6 has a counselling centre. This is a very different kind of response from the lack of care indicated by Port Kaituma NDC and the Ministry of Local Government.
Maybe it is time for the Ministries of Local Government; and Human Services and Social Security to work together to increase child protection across Guyana.
Sincerely,
Vidyaratha Kissoon