Dear Editor,
THE revelations of alleged sexual grooming and abuse by a teacher at one of the nation’s most venerated secondary schools — and possibly several other schools spanning the better part of two decades — is a matter of grave concern to the Child Rights Alliance (CRA).

This is coupled with alleged attempts to “cover up” the cases of alleged sexual grooming by the school’s administrators. This situation has evoked widespread anger by many who have utilised social media and letters to the editor to share their views. However, there are several issues that must be examined.

The CRA is pleased to see that the matters of sexual grooming and child abuse are now a part of our national discourse. We commend those individuals who have protested and expressed their concerns over the allegations. We are encouraged that adults are playing their part in bringing the matter to the attention of the authorities which led to the matter being brought to the public’s attention.

The members of the CRA know too well the fear, trauma and hopelessness many children are forced to endure in isolation as a result of child sexual grooming and abuse. We have sensitised over 4,000 children in Regions Three, Four and Five about child abuse and the importance of reporting child abuse through our partners Orchid Foundation, Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship, SOCDA and FACT. In most cases, children who reported that they were sexually abused by an adult were forced by the perpetrator to remain silent about the abuse.

In one case, the child admitted to a CRA sensitisation officer that her father sexually abused her on multiple occasions. Her grandmother was aware of the abuse, but threatened to poison her if she told anyone. These children live in continual fear and despair because they feel no one will believe them or help them.

The allegations of sexual grooming at Bishops’ High School have seemingly continued along this line. Past students have alleged that their reports were brushed aside. If that was indeed the case, then one can only imagine the fear that those female students have endured in a place where they should have felt safe.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has completed its investigation into the matter. Did they look into the alleged brushing aside of reports? The public needs to understand that this is a serious matter. There are laws that are applicable to every Guyanese including teachers and head teachers. The Protection of Children Act 2009 Section 7 (1) states “Where a person has direct information that a child is or may be in need of protective intervention, the person shall immediately report the matter to the Director (of the Childcare and Protection Agency), a probation officer…or a police officer.” (Emphasis supplied).

Therefore, if any child made a report to a teacher or an administrator and that adult failed to report the matter, the said individual has committed an offence under the Protection of Children Act. It is imperative that those past students who made their allegations against the accused, give statements to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as they are currently investigating the matter.

The public should not be easily satisfied, even though efforts are being made to investigate the matter. There are systemic weaknesses that if not addressed can result in a recurrence. For example, where can a student of any school go that is readily available, easily accessible, and supportive to make reports? This episode has taught us that students are reluctant to go to the administrators for fear of further reprimand. The tape of the head teacher’s infamous address to the students suggests this. Sexual grooming and abuse in schools are realities with which we need to come to grips and address.

The truth of the matter is, sexual grooming and even sexual assault in schools, are more prevalent than we realise. Due to the CRA’s presence in schools conducting sensitisation sessions, it is becoming evident that younger girls are being groomed and touched inappropriately by older boys. Students need more psychosocial support than is currently provided in schools.

Our children are exposed to an overwhelming quantity of ubiquitous sexual content through the mass media, social media, public transportation, billboards and other forms of advertising. They need information, counselling and guidance to not only counter the tsunami of sexually explicit content so pervasive in the public domain, but to recognise and protect themselves from would-be sexual predators.

It is the duty of the State, parents, teachers and other caregivers to ensure that every child enjoys the rights that are afforded to every citizen and are protected from any harm or exploitation. It is the basic human right of every individual – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socio economic status — to live a life that is free of sexual abuse. December 10, 2017, is Human Rights Day. This year’s theme is, “Leave no one behind-end violence against women.” Our leaders need to take a more proactive approach to social issues to ensure that every citizen is afforded the opportunity to progress without fear of exploitation.

The CRA commends the Bishops’ High School Old Students Association (BHSOSA) for their response to this issue. The training and support that will be provided to teachers and students will contribute in some manner to addressing the issue. However, what about the other schools? Are we that naïve to think that the issues of sexual grooming and abuse may only be possibly present in one school?

We would be foolish to think that the conviction of one man will end this scourge. Central government, local government at its various levels, non-governmental organisations and all other stakeholders must invest financial and human resources, time and effort, as opposed to rhetoric, to support our children and give them every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Regards
Hasani Tinnie
Communications Officer
Child Rights Alliance