THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has expressed disappointment with the decision of former President Donald Ramotar to pardon Ravindra Deo who was convicted for murdering eight-year-old Vishnu Bhim.

Deo was serving a life sentence.
The Sabha in a statement said in Guyana, violence against children is still prevalent and “too often we read in the media about unspeakable acts being committed against our innocent little ones.”
The Sabha believes that the pardoning and subsequent release of a child-killer sends the wrong signal to those who have committed or are inclined to commit such acts.
“Indeed, the Sabha is of the firm view that the most severe punishments should be meted out to those who inflict harm on children,” the statement said.
It also noted that the Sabha remains committed to working towards the eradication of violence against children and, at present, provides a safe haven for child victims through the Bal Nivas, its shelter for children at Ankerville, Berbice, Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The Bal Nivas was opened on May 5, 2014. Since then, the Sabha has been collaborating with the Child Protection Agency to have children placed in the shelter, schooled and later, where appropriate, re-integrated into their families.
On recently, the Guyana Coalition for Children in a release said it is saddened and appalled to learn of Ramotar’s pardoning of Deo. Bhim of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was the only child for his parents.
“Ravindra Deo already had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.  Today, he is free to live how he wishes.  On the other hand, innocent eight-year-old Vishnu is dead; his parents and family will never see his potential realised, and our society has been robbed of his contribution.
“Too many adults in our society have contributed to the abuse of children and/ or stood by silently while children are abused and violated, most often by someone they know and love. The Guyana Coalition for Children reiterates that all forms of child abuse can be prevented.  The abuse of children must not be tolerated, and abusers of children must receive the full penalties the law attaches to this heinous crime,” the release said.
The Guyana Coalition for Children is calling on the new government to place children’s issues at the heart of developing Guyana and to address this injustice without any delay.
Several other organisations and individuals have also condemned the decision of the former president.