AS PART of Child Protection Week 2014, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security held a grand rally on Thursday at the National Park, under the theme, “Breaking the silence against child sexual abuse.”

This annual event is observed in over 120 countries worldwide and aims at increasing awareness of the issues of child abuse and promotes the belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to make society child friendly.

The gathering at the National Park included Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, and Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran. Speaking from the medical community was chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Shamdeo Persaud; Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement, Mr. Lesie James; Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Mr. Abheet Solomon; and Master of Ceremonies, Henry Rodney. Also present were members of the diplomatic corp, the Merundoi cast and the Qualfon volunteer team.
Delivering remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster said that we must unite in the fight to eliminate child sexual abuse in the society.
While child protection requires year-round vigilance, Child Protection Week gives us an opportunity to focus on these preventable crimes against children and put them at the centre of public attention. She commended the work of the Guyana Police Force and the Child Care and Protection Agency in their mission to stamp out abuse.
Also speaking at the rally was Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran. He encouraged parents to become more aware of their children’s environment, emphasising that “it’s everybody’s business” for support and recognition to end child sexual abuse in Guyana.
Speaking from the medical community was Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. Dr. Persaud noted that “Children need us to make sure they are brought into a healthy world. A world where they are free from such hostile environment, that child abuse is never right and should never be condoned. He urged the public to “advocate for healthier childhood in Guyana and all across the world.”
In his presentation, Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement, Mr. Leslie James, spoke about the involvement of the Guyana Police Force. Their role, he said, of law enforcement in child abuse cases is to investigate to determine if a violation of criminal law occurred, identify and apprehend the offender, and file appropriate criminal charges.

Speaking to the public was Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Mr. Abheet Solomon who said, “The road ahead is not easy, but it’s durable,” and that with the help of family and the community, ending child abuse is attainable.
The audience was entertained by various dramatic pieces such as a dance and a short skit from the Merundoi cast. The dramatic arts were used to focus attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect, and to encourage the public to participate in prevention activities.