…says society must not normalise his actions

Prominent women’s rights organisation in Guyana, Red Thread took a firm, public stance on Saturday, against the alleged predatory actions of Kaieteur News’ sub-editor, Ruel Johnson.

Johnson who was accused of being a manipulator has since issued what he deems an apology to his victims, and to his family. However, no further actions were taken to hold him accountable. As such, several influential women and members of society, are calling for a diligent probe into the matter. Red Thread, by way of a letter to the editor of Guyana Chronicle, said that once again, society is witnessing the abuse of power by two public figures, Ruel Johnson and Glen Lall, who appear to think that the laws of Guyana do not relate to them.

“In the case of Ruel Johnson, since he touts himself as intelligent, articulate and sensible, he must be aware that he falls within the spectrum of abuser if not paedophile, even if he is safe under the letter of the law. His unctuous ‘apologies’ ring shallow, self-serving and less than credible, in a statement that was used simply to advertise himself once again,” the letter said.

“Meanwhile, Kaieteur News publisher and owner Glen Lall presents himself as an apologist for abusers in his characterisation of Ruel Johnson’s abuse as bedroom story, some kind of private matter between individuals that the newspaper and the wider public need not concern ourselves with. Mr. Lall is clearly out of touch with the fact that domestic and sexual violence have been understood for more than two decades to be public social concerns and they are in fact everybody’s business,” it further stated.
The organisation took the firm position, that abuse of women and girls keep happening because society continues to refuse to accept the responsibility to address this behaviour that is violent and “downright illegal”. “Abuse of women and girls keeps happening when we see abusers as ‘too respectable’ and ‘nice’ to engage in violence. Abuse of women and girls keeps happening when state institutions responsible for prevention and protection are under-resourced and less than active. Abuse of women and girls keeps happening when we find it easier to blame and disbelieve the survivors, even when they don’t survive the violence. The fallout from domestic and sexual violence is not limited to survivors and victims. It affects the entire community, particularly the younger generation growing up in a society where violence and the trauma it causes are deep-seated. They learn early on who has power, how power is used against others and how power is used to manipulate and silence others. Violence and secondary trauma affect their ability to form healthy consenting relationships now and later on as adults. We must not continue to accept and excuse the normalising of violence,” Red Thread stated resolutely.

Just two days ago, First Lady Sandra Granger said that his actions are inexcusable and society must not turn a blind eye because of his social status. In fact, she said an investigation must be launched to hold him accountable.

“Those who are aware would know that victims of trauma sometimes take years to express their pain and anguish, or internalise their abuse, and sometimes blame themselves for it. Where are we as a nation when for some, the instinctive response is to attack the person(s) making these allegations? Worse, implying that she/they are less; that she/they ‘looked for it’? Let us get to the bottom of this matter and listen to both sides. We need a group of dedicated professionals who will help our abused and battered victims to heal. At the same time, the perpetrators should be brought to justice and also counselled about the damage they have done. Just my two cents,” The First lady said.

Historian doctor, Melissa Ifill has also condemned Johnson’s behavior. Dr Ifill, in a letter, said she is disgusted that a “grown man who admitted a ‘fling’ with a child would then try to skillfully blame the child for his inexcusable, sickening predatory behaviour.”

She said that she could not make it to read the entire statement Johnson issued on the matter. “I couldn’t make it to the end. I was disgusted that a grown man who admitted a ‘fling’ with a child would then try to skillfully blame the child for his inexcusable, sickening predatory behaviour. No! You will not come out of this scandal with any assumed reputation intact! You sir are pathetic! Any grown man who can only find intellectual and sexual stimulation from a child is both pathetic and abusive! Your attempts to gloss over the abuse by ‘blaming’ your self-described ‘intellect’ and the victims’ mental state are pathetic! More hilarious, in every statement you make, you exhibit all the classic symptoms of predators and abusers as Akola Thompson so well expected and articulated,” Dr Ifill said.

Last Monday, Activist and Columnist at the Stabroek News, Akola Thompson broke her silence against Johnson by way of a Facebook post. Following her post, a German ex-girlfriend, Sinah Kloss, also came forward and shared with the public her years of abuse with the ‘disturbed’ man. Both recounts were harrowing and society is being called upon to not be sympathetic of Johnson’s behaviour, but rather, bring justice to these victims.