…as Minister Persaud unveils reforms, new sex offender registry
Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has revealed that the Sexual Offences Act is set to become a robust and progressive piece of legislation following the completion of a series of consultations aimed at improving the Act.
She at the time relayed this in an attempt to ensure equal access to vital information, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through its Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU), held a powerful public consultation and symposium.
Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud
This event was hosted in collaboration with the Legal Affairs Ministry, Imperial House, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), and Child Link to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this impactful event, attended by the Dr Vindhya Persaud, equipped citizens with a deeper understanding of the amended Sexual Offences Act, significantly extending the protective measures for victims of sexual violence.
During the event, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud revealed that the Sexual Offences Act is currently in the consultation phase. She believes that it will become a very progressive piece of legislation once the consultations are completed.
“I think that it will be a very progressive piece of legislation when it comes out of this consultation phase, but it is very important for me to say that the existing 2010 Sexual Offences Act is very robust and modern. At its time, and even now, it surpasses every other piece of legislation in this part of the world in every outlook and approach,” she said.
Despite being unable to specify when the consultations will be finished, the Minister stated that, prior to the release of the final piece of legislation, a series of consultations are being conducted to ensure a high-quality final product.
“The consultancy is being done, it’s being led by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and it’s a collaboration between the Human Services Ministry and the Legal Affairs Ministry. What I can tell you is that before we reach the final piece of legislation, there will have been numerous consultations at many levels to ensure we have the best possible legislation,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the Minister outlined the process and framework surrounding a soon-to-be-enacted bill that will require individuals convicted of sex offences to register in a database.
“And then, of course, the sex offender database: once the court makes such a pronouncement, the individual is mandated to register. The register will be kept under the custody of the Commissioner of Police. If people would like information, they will have to approach him, and there is a form within the bill soon to be enacted,” she added.
She also added that very form will be the one utilised by persons who want information. She also gave a simple example of how this can be done.
“If someone moves into your community, and you are either aware or suspicious, or if you have heard that their name sounds familiar, you can write to request information. However, it should not be something where you write requesting about everyone; only write when something is of particular importance to you. The Commissioner of Police will respond to such requests. Within that piece of legislation, there are also measures requiring sex offenders to comply with certain regulations.”
