WGEC commends MHSSS and Police for swift action in recent sexual assault incident

Dear Editor,
The Women and Gender Equality Commission wishes to commend the Ministry of Human Services and the Guyana Police Force for their swift response to the alleged public rape of a young woman that was recently shared on social media. The immediate closing of the bar, the arrest and charging of the disc jockey and an associate in addition to the issuance of an arrest warrant for the alleged perpetrator are the sort of actions the Commission would like to see for all such unfortunate incidents.
The Commission would also like to make the following recommendations:
The Bar owner should have his license to operate immediately revoked. Bar operators have a responsibility to ensure their patrons drink responsibly and to cut them off if they are unable to do so themselves.
The patrons present at the time of the incident also have a responsibility to report such incidents and not record for mere titillation. For in doing so they have become accessories and equally responsible for the crime and should be charged. Our society has a duty to protect the weaker members and to see patrons electing to video and encourage such a violation was heart-breaking.
Each of us should possess a responsibility to do and uphold what is right and condemn what is wrong particularly in incidents involving violence more so against women and girls. This Commission remains committed to engage on the many factors that underpin the lack of confidence in the response mechanisms to gender-based violence especially those who have sworn to serve and protect us all.

Sincerely,
Women and Gender
Equality Commission