Dear Editor,
A couple of working people have been remanded on charges of child abuse– abandoning and ill-treating two children – both of them are gainfully employed. They have a stable life as partners. However, it appears as though raising the children is creating a lot of difficulties.
The charges are serious too – abandoning the six-year-old daughter and four-year-old son – causing them unnecessary suffering, beating and ill-treating them, and locking them in their apartment without any supervision and food during their working hours. These issues must be addressed.
I am pleased that the prosecutor was successful in getting a remand judgement for the two accused and then getting the children into the care of the Child Protection Agency.
My first concern is for the two alleged abusers. They are remanded prisoners who may end up losing their jobs. I believe these two people need some vigilant counselling. Mere punishment is never the way to go – it must carry some serious corrective measures.
Additionally, remanded prisoners should be able to get help with keeping their home and/ or job and keeping in touch with their family.
I am glad that this matter became quite public. Guyanese must mature to the level where issues such as abuse are all immediately reported.
Even if there is any kind of lassitude from the police, there is a free press to expose any form of evil. The law thrives on citizens’ input and many times, ‘tip-offs’ really go a long way. I urge everyone to play a part.
Yours truly,
Christine Jodhan