THE Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) is setting up a ‘Missing Persons Database (MPD)’ to prevent these cases from becoming dormant or ‘things of the past’.“Break your silence and become a survivor” is the slogan being touted by the group for this project. The group intends to link the MPD with the Guyana Police Force, so that updates can be available to the public at the click of a button.

Addressing the media at the Pegasus Hotel, CADVA Chief Operations Officer (COO) Dianne Madray said: “Working closely with the Sarjou family (the family of the missing Babita Sarjou) over the last five years, we have decided to propose a Missing Persons Database…. We are currently seeking sponsorship within the diplomatic corps, so that we can complete this database and launch it online on Friday, November 25, 2016, right here at the Pegasus Hotel.”

The goal of the initiative, she said, is to create a reliable and modern electronic database that will be used to track and report on missing persons’ cases and be linked to a centralised system.

Through this system, CADVA is hoping to address a number of issues. Among them are records- keeping done with handwritten documents, as the current data is not reliable because it can be lost or falsified easily; trace the evidence or investigation history of a case; avoid the strenuous task of going through piles of files; and actively monitor such cases.

Madray said Guyana needs to replace the current antiquated system of record-keeping with a modern, updated electronic system that will prevent data tampering.

“This will also allow the families of the victims to get the latest status with a click of a button through a web interface available to the public, given that currently too many families still live with the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to their loved ones,” she said.

There is a perception that the police investigation and follow-up of missing persons’ cases have been poor. There are also reports that sometimes cases are compromised through bribery of corrupt police officers.

This matter has been discussed with Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, First Lady Sandra Granger, and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack. CADVA is of the belief that it is time for Guyana to move forward and embrace new policies and changes, which will help the country move to a new era with systems that will create a stronger public safety approach and, at the same time, safeguard the security of all women.

Their mission is to provide a safe environment where individuals can converge, listen, share, and receive vital information on combating domestic violence.