The Alliance fully supports Minister Manickchand’s Stamp it Out campaign

Dear Editor,

I write to fulfil a long overdue promise to publicly congratulate Minister Priya Manickchand for her courage and commitment displayed in tackling the scourge of sexual violence at this most precarious time.

Many months ago, I had approached the Guyana Human Rights Association about giving voice and action to its publication “Justice For Rape Victims: Reform of Laws and Procedures in Guyana”, and was advised by Mr. McCormack that the Minister of Human Services and Social Security had pledged to address the issue. I thereafter spoke to the Minister herself, offering the AFC’s support in moving the GHRA work forward, and she asked me to be patient as she was working on an initiative that would address the problem of sexual violence frontally, and comprehensively.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that initiative unveiled as the “Stamp It Out!” document and follow-up consultations. I believe that the Minister must be congratulated for keeping her word at a time when other government officials are being accused of deceiving the public with their lies, half-truths, and false promises, and moreover, for grappling with such a serious issue that requires the effort and support of every Guyanese.

The “Stamp it Out!” proposals appear bold and ambitious and I am sure all of it will not find favour with everyone in society; or be even easy to implement in all aspects, but all decision-makers and stakeholders need to support the effort knowing that what we see reported in the news everyday is the tip of the iceberg as to what really is happening in every community in Guyana and especially within the depressed ones.

The AFC looks forward to working with our other parliamentary colleagues to reform the archaic laws relating to sexual offences and violence.

Yours faithfully,

Raphael Trotman