-in the wake of brutal killing of three females
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud has called for urgent action to tackle gender-based violence in the wake of the brutal deaths of three females.
In a Facebook address, Persaud expressed deep sorrow for the families grieving their loved ones. “My heart, my prayers, my everything, goes out to the families who are experiencing tremendous pain and suffering,” she said. “Violence against women continues in our country, and we must not remain silent.”
The Ministry of Human Services has been working to create mechanisms to combat domestic and gender-based violence, she said. Among the initiatives is the 914 emergency hotline, a 24-hour service available in every region, allowing victims or concerned individuals to seek immediate intervention.
“We can only act if we know what’s happening,” Persaud stressed. “If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 914. The police can intervene, and support services are available.”
Meanwhile, she also acknowledged concerns about reports not being taken seriously by law enforcement and urged the Guyana Police Force to ensure that officers fulfill their duty to protect victims.
“I have spoken with my colleague, the Minister of Home Affairs, and made it clear: officers who ignore reports of abuse must be held accountable. No one should feel like their cries for help are being dismissed.”
Both ministries have invested in training policemen and women in relation to domestic violence complaints and questions have been raised about what impact this is having.
The Family Violence Act, passed in 2024, strengthens legal protections for victims. It mandates that police take action against perpetrators, introduces criminal charges for domestic violence offenses, and allows survivors to remain in their homes while their abusers are removed.
Additionally, the ministry provides temporary shelter, survivor advocates, and financial support, including three months’ rent, to help victims escape dangerous situations.
The father of Bibi Fazila Ally, a 34-year-old woman who was murdered last week by her estranged husband, had spoken out about repeated attempts to seek help from the police – efforts that went unanswered.
“We went to the Vigilance Police Station multiple times,” Shafeek Ally told Stabroek News. “Each time, we were told to go somewhere else. Nothing ever happened.” He recalled an instance where his daughter was attacked, and despite seeking medical help, police officers claimed they had no vehicle to make an arrest. “They just did nothing.”
Bibi Ally’s tragic end came when she was attacked by her husband during her lunch break. Her young son, raised the alarm. Police later apprehended her husband, Biraj Ganesh, who attempted to take his own life and later succumbed at the hospital.
“I want justice for my daughter,” Ally said. “The police should have acted, and they didn’t.”
In another harrowing case, Janelly David, a 16-year-old girl from Barama Line, Baramita, was allegedly beaten to death by her 40-year-old fiancé, Eon Moore, who is now on the run.
Police discovered her lifeless body in a hammock at a remote camp. Moore reportedly fled the scene on an all-terrain vehicle, heading toward Five-Star Backdam. Authorities are actively searching for him.
Meanwhile, the police say that three men have confessed to the murder of 60-year-old Parbhudai Boodhram, whose body was discovered at her Belle West, West Bank Demerara home two Fridays ago.
Reports indicate that Boodhram, known as ‘Renie’, lived with her husband, 63-year-old tailor Anthony Alphonso Boodhram, who operates a tailor shop in Georgetown. She would frequently visit the shop to assist her husband with his work and would return home in the evenings.
On the morning of the incident, Boodhram left home to assist her husband at his shop. After completing her tasks for the day, she departed for Belle West, making a stop at a local shop before heading home. The shop, police said, is owned by Rohan Singh, one of the suspects.
It was reported that Boodhram purchased groceries at the shop and was last seen being escorted home by Singh.
Meanwhile, in her message, the minister urged families, friends, and neighbours to step up and report abuse before it’s too late. She also spoke directly to perpetrators, warning them that the law will hold them accountable.
“We are launching a rehabilitation programme this year to work with at-risk perpetrators,” she announced. “We want to address anger issues and help them manage conflict in healthier ways. But make no mistake—violence will not be tolerated.”
Persaud ended her address with an appeal. “Three lives lost at the start of 2025 are already too many. We cannot afford to lose another woman, another girl, another child. Please, if you see something, say something. Let’s put an end to this.”
