–similar facilities could be established soon, AG says

TO address the deeply rooted issues of domestic violence, sexual violence, familial violence, violence against children, and human trafficking, the government on Friday launched the first of several “Hope and Justice” centres.

This “transformative project”, commissioned at Lusignan, on the East Coast Demerara in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)’s Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme.

During a ceremony attended by high-ranking members of the government, judiciary, and social services Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C. said that such a facility is a beacon of change.
The centres are designed to provide comprehensive support, integrating legal and medical aid, counselling, law enforcement services, and even temporary accommodation for those affected by gender-based violence.
The “one-stop” operational model ensures that victims have access to a spectrum of services under one roof.

ADDRESSING A PERMEATING MENACE
In his address at the launch of the facility, Minister Nandlall underscored the need to tackle the pervasive issues haunting society.

He acknowledged the historical attempts to curb domestic and sexual violence, familial violence, and other social atrocities, recognising the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, government ministries, religious organisations, and international partners.

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, in 2023, 49.1 per cent of the murders in Guyana resulted from disorderly behaviour, while 28.3 per cent were domestic-related.

Nandlall lamented the limited success in significantly reducing the occurrence of these horrific tragedies.

He highlighted the far-reaching impact of such crimes, extending beyond the immediate suffering to lifelong consequences for victims and even generational transmission.

“When these occurrences take place, they have an impact that is far from the immediate hurt, the immediate pain, the immediate anguish, the immediate suffering, the immediate loss of life that may result. It has an impact that is lifelong for those directly affected or, in some cases, generational,” he said.

LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
Reflecting on existing legislation, Nandlall acknowledged the limitations of the Domestic Violence Act, initially hailed as a leader in the Caribbean when enacted in 1996.

He admitted that over the years, shortcomings were identified, and the law did not deliver as anticipated. Nandlall, however, recognised the role of the law in preventing a situation that might have been “100 times worse”.
To address the limitations, Nandlall pointed to the ongoing overhaul of the Domestic Violence Act, introducing a comprehensive bill that incorporates civil and criminal elements.

The proposed amendments empower the police with greater authority to arrest and detain, bridging the gaps in the existing legislation.

Learning from international models, Nandlall shared: “We don’t normally borrow legislation from the United States, but the United States has a strong regime of regulation regarding domestic violence in legislation across the different states. And we borrowed heavily from the New York legislation.”

The new legislation aims to empower law enforcement specifically in handling domestic violence complaints.

Acknowledging the evolving nature of societal challenges, Nandlall highlighted ongoing efforts to amend the Sexual Offences Act, enacted over 12 years ago.

After consulting with stakeholders, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, judiciary, police, and private practising bar, the government is set to introduce amended sexual violence legislation.
In a significant move, Nandlall said that Guyana is gearing to implement a Sexual Harassment Bill, modelled on CARICOM guidelines.

Nandlall, however, expressed the government’s commitment to explore various legal avenues, recognising that “the law alone can’t solve this problem.”

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND TRAINING INITIATIVES
He highlighted the role of training programmes in empowering officers to effectively combat social issues.

Under the restorative justice programme, efforts are underway to align with the Ministry of Human Services’ probation department.

This strategic collaboration aims to extend restorative justice services across the country, presenting a unique combination of support services.

“The restorative justice programme is part and parcel of that new training initiative that we are embarking upon. Again, in synergy with the Ministry of Human Services, this year, we will align the restorative justice program with the probation department and probation services offered by the Ministry of Human Services across the country,” he said.

HOPE AND JUSTICE CENTRES: A TRANSFORMATIVE VISION 
Nandlall said that the centre marked a pivotal moment in Guyana’s approach to combating gender-based violence.

He highlighted the strategic location of the facility, which is nestled between two magistrates’ courts and within close proximity to police stations and medical centres.

He shared insights into the genesis of the project, saying: “I recall attending a spotlight meeting with the distinguished Minister of Human Services and she was articulating a case for a facility that would closely resemble this. And it struck me listening to her that we can join hands and produce a product that is even more embracing and more comprehensive than the one she was articulated for.”

FUTURE EXPANSION
Lusignan’s “Hope and Justice” centre is the first of its kind, offering a blueprint for future centres, with another slated to be opened in Region Three soon.

Nandlall affirmed: “Once we are able to establish that these pilots have been successful, then they can be expanded.”

He said that these collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the support of the IDB reflect a holistic and innovative approach to addressing deeply ingrained societal issues.

Nandlall said that the centres signal a transformative vision for Guyana, aiming to break the cyclical nature of domestic and sexual violence by providing comprehensive support, legal reform, and proactive community engagement.

“We cannot give up because this can very well consume all of us. We, therefore, have to continue the battle. We have to continue to pursue traditional methods as we explore new opportunities and new innovations as we continue to marshal our efforts to overcome this beast that resides right across the length and breadth of our country,” Nandlall said, as he reiterated the determination to combat these societal menaces.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, during her address, said that the centre could not have been a timelier intervention.

He related that the building’s colour scheme and design of this centre will be replicated across the country so it can be easily recognised by those who use it.

“The distinctive colour of this building – orange, is one that speaks to the recognition of violence, so it has all been meticulously crafted and constructed, taking into account all of the nuances and the details that deal with gender-based violence,” the Human Services Minister said.

She also announced that this year, her ministry will implement a programme aimed at rehabilitating perpetrators of gender-based violence, which will align with the ongoing Restorative Justice programme.