CIOG, GIT condemn alleged molestation of children by Islamic scholar
– Minister Webster calls for full, speedy investigation
SEVERAL Muslim Organisations, as well as a Top Government functionary, yesterday came out in condemnation of the explosive revelations that at least four young boys are alleged to have been sexually molested by an Islamic Scholar and Imam attached to the Turkeyen Masjid.
The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) made it clear that it will “never condone any unlawful act”  while the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) said it is “appalled” by the news carried in the media, alleging that an Imam/ Muslim scholar molested young boys from his madrasah.
“Our Nation’s children are our hope for the future, and caring for them is one of our greatest responsibilities,” the CIOG said in a statement.
“Our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy families, protecting children, and supporting communities throughout this country remains unblemished,” the Muslim organization stated.
CIOG said it has reinforced initiatives that enhance the efforts of child protective service agencies to prevent and treat child abuse.
The organization said it will also continue its work to “ensure all children have the ability to live free from abuse and neglect by advocating for the safety of all young people”.
According to CIOG, the Muslim scholar at the centre of the controversial allegations is employed by the organization (CIOG) but since the allegations have been made, this person was sent on leave pending the outcome of the investigation and any case in the courts.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Islamic Trust, on behalf of the Muslim community, said it “wishes to state categorically that Islam clearly condemns and outlaws such abomination in the strongest possible terms and that the Muslim Authorities in Guyana in no way condone such disgraceful behaviour”. 
As such, GIT is calling for a full investigation into these allegations. It said the perpetrator must be brought to justice, regardless of his social standing.
“This matter is viewed very seriously by the Shari’ah (Islamic law) which prescribes capital punishment for the one proven guilty for such a heinous crime,” GIT said.
However, GIT said it wishes to sound the caution that “we should not pass verdicts and make judgments based on reports in the media”; rather we should allow the judicial process to take its course before making such pronouncements.
“The GIT likewise deplores all attempts to vilify our noble religion; cast aspersions on the characters of our leaders and scholars and ridicule Muslims as they go about their lives as hard working, decent and law-abiding citizens of Guyana,” the Muslim organization stated.
According to media reports, following anonymous reports to the Child Protection Agency, earlier this week, the four boys underwent a medical examination which revealed that the sexual molestation allegations made were correct and the man was then taken into custody. He is reportedly out on station bail, and is still to appear in court.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Ms. Jennifer Webster has also condemned the allegations, and called for a full and speedy investigation.
Minister Webster, during a telephone comment to the Chronicle yesterday, said she is against any unlawful act that could prove to be harmful towards the development of children on the whole and, more so, Guyana’s future leaders.
She said steps will be taken, guided by the laws of the country, to ensure that the alleged perpetrator of these despicable acts is brought into account for his crime. “No time should be wasted in dealing with such a matter,” the minister declared.
Minister Webster also emphasised that such an act should not be allowed to drift off into thin air, and stated that under her ministry, and with the collaborative works of the Guyana Police Force, every effort will be made to resolve the issue, legally.
“It was the ministry that got a tip-off and they started to do investigations and police were called in …this is a matter we feel very strongly about and sexual molestation is something we cannot condone in our society,” she said.
Webster said investigators should work towards concluding their investigation in an expeditious manner. “I feel that the police must conclude their investigation on time and he (the alleged perpetrator) must be brought in,” she urged.
Webster said citizens should not be pleased to live in a society where children, the country’s most valuable assets and future leaders of tomorrow, are being abused and molested.
“We cannot have a society where our children, our most valuable asset and the future leaders of Guyana, have to live in a society that is full of child molesters and has to be subjected to anything of the sort!”
The minister said she is passionate about such problems in society and the various authorities should pursue this matter vigorously.