— focus on domestic violence, sexual offences, and victims’ rights

THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recently conducted a two-day Community Outreach Programme in Kamarang/Warwatta and Waramadong, Upper Mazaruni District, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen legal awareness and improve public understanding of the criminal justice system.

The outreach, held in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force’s Region Seven Division led by Assistant Commissioner Deon Moore, aimed to educate residents about the functions of the DPP’s Office and its role in prosecuting criminal cases, while fostering stronger community-police relations.

Representing the DPP’s Office were Senior State Counsel Mohamed Muntaz Ali, Legal Assistants Fenton Budhram and Amya Manu, and Communications Officer Liz Rahaman.

The team, alongside Commander Moore, met with residents of Kamarang and Warwatta on Tuesday, where they delivered presentations on domestic violence, the importance of seeking help from law enforcement and family members, protection orders and their enforcement, sexual offences, and the rights of victims.

The session drew more than 40 participants, including Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO) Deon Seecharan, Headmaster of the Kamarang Primary School Mr. Alex Cranmer, medical personnel from the Kamarang Health Centre, teachers, and other community members. Both Seecharan and Cranmer commended the interactive nature of the session, describing it as timely and beneficial.

They also noted that the open dialogue allowed residents to share concerns and gain clarity on policing and justice-related matters.

On Wednesday, October 8, the outreach team travelled to Waramadong to attend a statutory meeting of the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC) at the invitation of Chairperson Toshao Alma Marshall. The UMDC represents eight Indigenous villages — Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang/Warwatta, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Kambaru/Omaneika, and Chinoweing.

Toshao Marshall expressed her appreciation to the DPP’s Office for honouring her invitation, noting that the visit marked the beginning of closer collaboration between the DPP’s Office, the Guyana Police Force, and the UMDC. She highlighted that while the team’s time in Waramadong was limited due to travel constraints, the discussions on criminal justice issues — particularly those related to murders and sexual offences — were insightful and well-received by council members.

During the meeting, council representatives raised two key concerns: the burial of deceased persons without post-mortem examinations, and the sale of firearms and ammunition within the district. Both issues were addressed in detail by Commander Moore, who provided guidance on legal procedures and community safety.

The DPP’s team also took the opportunity to engage with students of the Dr. Desiree Fox Secondary School in Waramadong, where they led discussions on teenage pregnancy and its social implications, sexual offences and victims’ rights, cybercrime, and trafficking in persons (TIP).

The outreach formed part of the DPP’s broader initiative to promote public legal education and ensure equitable access to justice information across Guyana, particularly in hinterland and remote communities. By engaging residents directly, the Office continues to bridge the gap between legal institutions and the people they serve — reinforcing that justice and awareness must extend to every region of the country.