Dear Editor,
Several days ago, I had the gruesome displeasure of witnessing a harrowing incident of child abuse observed in the most distressing video shared on several social media platforms.
As distasteful and uncomfortably painful as it was, it underscored a profound and urgent need for much more societal and governmental actions to be taken to address this matter and other issues with a greater degree of urgency and seriousness.
As a society, we have to move beyond the rhetoric and invoke much-needed action to put an end to or drastically reduce such unwanted societal ills and scourge.
The sight of an adult male, purportedly the child’s father, inflicting such grievous harm on a child, no older than three years old is an affront to humanity and love.
It is a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues of all forms of abuse within our communities that must be addressed frontally, especially those that affect our children, women, and the elderly.
It was clear for all to see as you observed, the anguish and trauma made evident on the child’s face, mingled with his constant ‘tattooed’ tears. A picture, too painful to bear, reflecting the depths of cruelty one human can inflict on another, especially upon an innocent child.
Such brutality raises pressing questions about the nature and psyche of the perpetrator. What drives a person to descend into such a depraved mental abyss, to engage in an act of satanic evil against their own flesh and blood, or anyone else for that matter?
One shudder to consider the possible history of violence this man may have inflicted upon others, including the child’s mother or other women.
The deeper question to ask is, was he himself a victim of abuse, perpetuating this vicious cycle of violence and abuse? Or does he suffer from untreated and undiagnosed mental health issues?
This horrifying act shines a spotlight on the critical importance of addressing mental health, suicide, and domestic violence issues in and around different communities in Guyana. Mental health services must be given the attention and resources they urgently need. The government must implement robust mental health support systems, ensuring that individuals who need help can access it before they resort to violence.
Mental health, domestic violence, and child abuse are interlinked issues that require a coordinated and comprehensive strategic approach to be implemented.
Moreover, this incident reiterates the timeless adage: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In a truly supportive community, such severe cases of child abuse and parental neglect would have been more likely noticed and addressed promptly. Community members have a moral and social responsibility to be vigilant, to look out for signs of abuse, and to intervene when necessary. We must foster environments where children can grow up safely, with the support and protection of the entire community. We all need to be our brother’s keepers irrespective of race, religion, or political persuasion.
Government intervention is crucial, but it must be complemented by active community involvement. Laws and policies must be enforced rigorously, with “stringent and firm penalties” for those who commit acts of violence and abuse. At the same time, community programmes should be developed to educate and empower residents to play an active role in safeguarding the welfare of children, women, and the elderly.
It would be remiss of me not to state, that creating safe spaces for children is not just about removing immediate threats; it involves nurturing environments where children can thrive, free from fear and harm. This requires a concerted and deliberate effort from all sectors of society, including government, religious organisations, non-profits, and local communities. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a loving, supportive, and safe environment.
In conclusion, I must reiterate that the brutal act of child abuse witnessed in that shared video is a call to action for all of us.
Firstly, I call on the government and make the demand for justice, for that innocent victim and for a collective commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future.
Secondly, as a society, as Guyanese people, we must prioritise mental health, tackle domestic violence head-on, and foster a community spirit where everyone is responsible for the well-being of our children, women, and the elderly.
Only then can we hope to build a society where such horrific acts are a thing of the past, and every child can enjoy a safe and nurturing upbringing.
Yours respectfully,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP
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