THE Home Affairs Ministry on Monday convened the first meeting of a national committee that will be addressing the issue of violence. This committee has its genesis from the recommendations that were made at the National Conference for the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence held in November last year.

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, said the committee has received the full support at the level of Cabinet. It comprises representatives of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Health, Amerindian Affairs, Culture, Youth and Sport, Finance, and Legal Affairs.
Additionally, faith-based organisations, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and youth and women’s organisations are also fully represented on the committee.

The Home Affairs Minister said that when it comes to cases of domestic violence, gang related violence, interpersonal violence and violence in schools, the public normally turns to the police because they are responsible for law enforcement and violence of any type falls under the category of crime.

The National Conference for the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence, which saw the participation of a wide cross-section of stakeholders, resulted in a total of 58 recommendations which the national committee will be combing through in an effort to formulate a plan of action.
Minister Rohee explained that subsequently, a Management Committee will be established to coordinate the work of the National Committee.

Apart from being a personal and social problem, violence is also a public security concern since it impacts negatively on the social order and safety of citizens.

At last year’s conference, President Donald Ramotar explained that while the State has a general responsibility for the preservation of law and order and for the protection of its citizens; this issue can by no means be the exclusive preserve of Government.