…following cancellation of LTW Pageant in light of sexual offences allegations

IN light of the decision made by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) to withdraw the Linden Town Week Pageant from this year’s calendar of Linden Town Week 2018 activities following allegations of sexual misconduct, the delegates will in turn lead a ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’ march slated for Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Linden.

A statement from the LMTC on Friday said that a decision was made by the council to crown each of the seven delegates for their outstanding resilience. The young women whose initial platforms focused on the “green” economy, made a decision to change their platforms to reflect the social issues that are affecting young women.

“These young women….have pledged to speak on their individual platforms about their reasons for being a part of this movement of thousands of Lindeners, who refuse to be cowed by any adversity,” the statement said. They will all become Linden’s ambassadors to stand against all forms of abuse against women. “We call upon stakeholders in the community, social protection agencies, youth groups, the Ministries of Education, Social Protection and [Public] Security; major policy-makers, religious organisations, community-based organisations, and Non-Governmental Organisations to participate.”

Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell, said that this case will not be like other cases where sexual abuse in the pageant industry is usually characterised by short-term attention and with the passage of time is forgotten. “This time will be different, no more shall our women, the best and brightest of our nation, be left to face the burden of such actions on their own.” Arindell posited that the LMTC has already taken steps to protect future delegates by imposing stringent guidelines for fund-raising and by asking families and friends to be more involved in supporting contestants through every stage of future events. “As Mayor of Linden, a mother and daughter, I take this personally and I will not ask these courageous young women to cower and disappear from facing the harsh reality of this incident. LMTC is asking everyone to allow justice to run its course and for all persons found culpable to be brought to justice, regardless of place and position” the mayor said.
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t is alleged that a popular businessman in Linden made inappropriate sexual advances to one of the delegates who sought his sponsorship on March 3rd at his home in Amelia’s Ward. It is also alleged that bribery and coercion were used to have the victim settle the matter out of court, not only by the perpetrator, but by an Alliance For Change (AFC) member. The AFC has launched an investigation into the matter and the police have sent the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking advice on the way forward. All other activities for LTW 2018 remain, including the Big Bold and Beautiful Pageant, slated for April 25th.