By Shauna Jemmott

Although there are reports of several incidents of rape, incest and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in rural and hinterland areas, First Lady Sandra Granger has contended that sexual violence against children remains underreported and under-prosecuted.Mrs Granger, in delivering remarks at a forum to observe World Population Day, pointed out that there were 1,145 reported cases of sexual violence against children between 2011 and March 2015.

The forum was recently hosted by the Ministries of Social Protection and Social Cohesion in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Mrs. Granger said while ‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘F’ Divisions of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) registered the highest number of reported cases, citizens within local communities should be more proactive in dealing with sexual violence against children.

“Systems must be put in place to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law and to provide counsel and support to victims’ families.”

She cited lack of education, unemployment and the lure of quick and easy money, peer pressure and popularity as factors that lead youths to crime.

“When teen girls are empowered and are given the tools to succeed, they become tools for positive change and the same goes for teenage boys,” the First Lady stated.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton highlighted the need for strong leadership across the board to conquer challenges faced by teenagers from a social, legislative, religious and cultural perspective.

He said Guyanese must consider health-related issues but there is a lack of legislation to provide for reproductive health services to teenagers, and the lack of a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health curriculum in schools.
Minister of Social Protection, Ms Volda Lawrence, during her remarks said while the Ministry of Social Protection has made several investments to deal with issues affecting young people, additional efforts must be made urgently to provide teenagers with the help they need.

“The Ministry of Social Protection bears the responsibility of providing the socio-financial network to cushion vulnerable families and by extension teenagers who are part of them,” Minister Lawrence said.

She said a Gender Unit has been established within the Ministry of Social Protection, which provides counselling for youths, and oversees public sensitisation projects on gender issues.

She said too that social assistance, vouchers, power loan agreements and grants are given to help single parents become businesswomen.

Lawrence also reported that a number of young prisoners who were pardoned by President David Granger are involved in a rehabilitation programme which is managed by her Ministry’s Probation Department.

They will receive further empowerment through the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency.

The symposium also featured presentations from teenage mothers supported by Women Across Differences (WAD), who shared their struggles and sentiments of thanksgiving to the President and First Lady who provided sponsorship for their studies to acquire their Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) certificates.