BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND
President Donald Ramotar said flaws in the judicial system are contributing in a major way to the high level of interpersonal violence in the country. He made the comment on Monday while addressing a forum to commemorate International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.
The forum hosted by the Home Affairs Ministry at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, sought to examine and adopt current violence prevention methodologies, develop a national plan of action towards violence prevention and establish a body to coordinate violence prevention efforts in Guyana.
The conference was attended by diplomats and stakeholders from all sections of society. President Ramotar told the conference that while there is no fixed approach in addressing interpersonal violence, he is counting on those participating in the conference to work as a cohesive unit to develop a strategic plan to tackle violence in all its forms.
The president said interpersonal violence is becoming a major economic burden on Guyanese as too many young people are being cut down by the senseless acts of their fellow citizens.
Public security concern
“Interpersonal violence is not just a personal and social matter; it is also a public security concern. The state has a general responsibility for law and order and for the protection of its citizens… interpersonal violence presents a threat to the social order and the safety of citizens and is therefore a legitimate concern to those entrusted with ensuring public safety,” the president said.
He added: “Everyone has a role in reducing violence in our country, it is therefore the responsibility of all sectors of society and all stakeholders to take a stance against violence and contribute towards ensuring public safety and security… it is vitally important for there to be a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach to this problem. Together, we must reject and condemn all forms of violence,” Ramotar stated.
He pointed out that while there may be a vast array of factors contributing to violence, prevention should be practised in the homes, and parents must not allow their children to play video games with violence.
Flaw
The president also noted that placing first time offenders with hardened criminals contributes to interpersonal violence, and is a flaw in the judicial system.
The president reminded the participants to take into account their own experiences, along with those of other countries, when determining resolutions and suggestions to curb this social stigma.
