Guyana to get tough on child prostitution and porn

As of this year, Guyana will be taking a serious stance on curbing child pornography, prostitution, and situations regarding children involved in armed conflict. 

This was revealed by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett during an interview with Guyana Times International last Thursday. “We take our responsibilities very seriously when we sign on to conventions and protocols. This year, we have actually acceded to the Optional Protocol on the Convention of the Rights of the Child – of children involved in armed conflict,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said. 

There is a serious concern over the fact that pornographic material is easily accessible by youth and adults. There have also been reports of children and teenagers being used to produce, participate in, and sell pornography. Rodrigues-Birkett said that Guyana has acceded to the protocol on child prostitution and child pornography and children involved in armed conflict. 

She noted that, although Guyana is not involved in armed conflict, it is still an issue of great concern. “This, again, is in keeping with our position on protection of children,” Rodrigues-Birkett noted.  

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has also facilitated Guyana’s accession to the International Convention against Anti Doping. Rodrigues-Birkett stated that Guyana must ensure that its commitment and obligation to sports locally is also met at the international level. 

Government is also expected to sign on, very shortly, to the OYC Convention on Terrorism, which Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said is a major area of focus. 

Meanwhile, Guyana continues to work with Venezuela and Brazil, two of its South American neighbours, to improve relations between the states and to share common interests.   In the case of Venezuela, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett reported, a technical team is expected here shortly to discuss the implementation of the road link between the two countries. 

Once Venezuela and Guyana agree on the fine tuning process, a feasibility study will be conducted.  “We are also working with Venezuela in the fight against drug trafficking. A team would be here shortly to discuss and agree on the engagement in that area, which will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Rodrigues-Birkett disclosed.