A NATIONAL consultation convened by President Dr Irfaan Ali has agreed that immediate, drastic and coordinated action must be taken to safeguard the mental health, welfare and safety of Guyana’s children, with the President directing the Attorney General to lead a broad-based task force that will design a comprehensive national plan.
The consultative engagement was held on Friday afternoon and brought together representatives from the government, the Judiciary, the Speaker of the National Assembly, constitutional commissions, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.
Participants examined a number of key and critical issues affecting what the meeting described as the nation’s most precious assets.
Responding to recent events, the meeting agreed that the factors behind the current situation are wide-ranging and cannot be tackled by any single institution.
The response, participants concluded, must draw in parents, the government, the school system, social and religious organisations, law enforcement, the Judiciary and every other important stakeholder organisation in society.
A broad set of measures was identified as key and critical to addressing what was characterised as a national problem.
These include public awareness and education, support for parents, activities in schools, psychosocial support, mentoring and the promotion of healthy recreational activities.
Participants also pointed to the need to regulate children’s exposure to music, social media and other influences, along with the revision of laws, a review of the law enforcement approach and adjustments in the administration of justice, among other measures.