UNITED Women for Special Children (UWSC) is deeply grieved by the chain of events in Linden over the last few weeks, leading to the burning of the facilities of the Linden Care Foundation on Friday morning. This facility, since 2001, has served as a safe place for vulnerable children and orphans living with, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS with initial support from government and UNICEF.  In 2004 the Linden Care Foundation was supported by CIDA and USAID programmes, resulting in some incredible work.  United Women for Special Children partnered with the Rotary Club of Georgetown in 2006 to develop a safe place for the kids. The list is extensive in terms of people who have pitched in, including the Diaspora.  It brought together members of the community as both employees and volunteers to work around the clock to ease the pain of our children.

UWSC restates its recognition of the democratic right to peaceful protest and its condemnation of killings in such a situation. However, the organisation finds it totally incomprehensible that any person or groups involved in peaceful protest or otherwise and knowing the work of the Foundation in the community could target children in such a way, an action that could have resulted in loss of life.  We understand the dangers that stereotyping and stigmatising bring in the lives of HIV/AIDS affected and learning and physically disabled children across Guyana. Similarly, we recognise that the actions of a few arsonists are not reflective of the strong peace-loving community that exists in Linden and across the country. We believe Linden cares for their children.

UWSC urges the team at the Linden Care Foundation, families served by the facility and all other supporters to pool their resources in these very difficult times to ensure that our children are not further isolated.

UWSC recognises how traumatic this situation is for the employees, volunteers and all who are served by the Foundation. It is important that while we are aware of the dangers,that we regroup and remain focused on our objectives.