I RECENTLY read an editorial in the Kaieteur News dated June 23, 2011 titled ‘Absence of  Social Services’, in which the editor highlighted certain problems in society, many of which are of a social nature, and  later arriving at the assumption that this is as a result of a lack of social services. While there are a few aspects of his editorial that warrant credence, much of it lacks objectivity, judging from the fact that this is coming from a seasoned writer.
For the most part, Guyana is equipped with many social services; too many for my liking, but the naked truth is they are underutilized.
Take for example (and this is not one of the points raised by the editor) the many social services or outlets, whatever you may call them, available to the public providing free meals and shelter, yet Georgetown remains one of the cities most populated by vagrants and homeless people. Why? Is this for want of social services? Certainly not!
Another area of concern is a facility for battered women, or women affected by domestic abuse. Again, the Division of Human Services is an entity set up to deal with such matters. But are our womenfolk making full use of it? Certainly not! No wonder so many cases involving domestic violence issues go unpunished, because our women are not taking advantage of the facility.
There are legal services, and counselling services among the many other services available, all of which are not put to any use.
The Kaieteur editor made mention of a story which is before the courts right now involving a minibus driver being the adult committing statutory rape of a school-aged girl, being a minor.
This case, from all appearances, seems headed for an acquittal on the part of the accused, due to the fact that the police did a botched investigation. From information in the press, the young girl was not taken to a physician by the police to show (crucial evidence) that she indeed had intercourse with the accused, but the lawman just relied on evidence given by the victim; he-said-she-said.
Such a matter requires evidence from an expert witness such as a qualified physician, which is non-existent so far, which means that her case is a weak one.  Now here’s my point, and I beg to differ sharply from that of the editor of Kaieteur News. One does not have to wait on the sloppy or corrupt police to take one’s daughter to the doctor. Commonsense would  dictate that her parents/guardians do so forthwith. This is presenting undisputable evidence for the prosecution.
So, I would ask the editor to conduct proper investigations before casting an accusing finger. Guyana does have social services to help in such situations, and even if this is not the case, probably if one is living in the far-flung reaches of the bush, I would advise: Use your commonsense, please!