Dear Editor,
The Women and Gender Equality Commission commends the Ministry of Home Affairs for their immediate response to the allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse of authority, and misconduct at the Guyana Police Force Academy (formerly Felix Austin Police College). The Commission strongly condemns the alleged incidents, particularly because of where they happened and by whom (senior Police ranks against Police recruits). This is a clear abuse of power.
The Commission would like to make the following recommendations:
(i) The Commission stands ready to assist in developing or strengthening its sexual harassment policy and protocols. which it should ensure is not only posted to each of its locations but also becomes an enduring policy/lived document. It is further advised that cognisance be taken of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention 190 on Sexual Harassment as well as the Sexual Offences Act of 2010.
(ii) While the persons who perpetrated the alleged offences should be made to face the law and endure its penalties. The persons who were present at the time of the incidents or had knowledge of them also have a responsibility to report such incidents. For in not doing so they become accessories, equally responsible for the crime, and should be so charged. Our society has a duty to protect its weaker members. To have rumoured Police officers engaging in such abuses inevitably adds a stain to the reputation of the Guyana Police Force. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals urges that our institutions be strengthened, particularly those important to the pursuit of justice.
Each of us has 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. That such incidents have occurred in an organisation that is sworn to uphold the law points to a culture that needs to be eradicated. This Commission remains committed to engaging on the many factors that underpin the lack of confidence in the response mechanisms to gender-based violence, especially by those who have sworn to serve and protect us all.