Dear Editor,
THE recent reports circulating in the press and social media about an act of paedophilia and of sexual abuse of a minor by a City Constable and then the council allowing this Constable to remain on the job for more than two months after, by those in authority at City Hall, reveals the shocking extent of abuse, cover-ups and hierarchical failings going on at the City Council.

In Guyana it is mandatory to report allegations and acts of child sexual abuse which has been deemed necessary in strengthening the child protection system in our country and the senior officials of the Georgetown Municipality had to know that. Notwithstanding, there is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law, merely because one was unaware of its content.

The Mayor and the Town Clerk did not need to have proof that a child or young person was abused at one of the City Constabulary outposts in order to make a mandatory report. Once a belief on reasonable grounds was formed as it was, they had a duty to call in the Ministry of Social Protection and the national police.
Much harm which must have resulted from this abuse to the victim, including significant emotional trauma and physical injury. Could the Mayor and Town Clerk say what offer of assistance was made to the victim and his family?

Are there any sexual assault prevention and response programme, procedures and policies within the City Constabulary? How does one know whether there has been the engagement of other immoral acts of sexual, physical or psychological abuse of recruits and women by senior officers in the Constabulary? This very Council covered up a vicious assault of a female constable a few months ago by a very senior officer who was drunk and who used his pistol to do so in Sophia. And what happened to him after he was arrested by the police? He was rescued by senior officials of the Council and very soon after, promoted by the very Council.

The Mayor and Town Clerk need to be subjected to an investigation regarding abuse of authority and complicity in a sex crime, and if found guilty, dealt with condignly.

Regards
Sambu Jacobus