Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 25, 2015 News
– Canadian High Commission
As outrage continues to grow over taped statements made by Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran,
to a female activist on Monday while at Berbice, the Government of Canada has joined the United Kingdom and the United States of America in criticising the incident.
According to a statement from the High Commission of Canada last evening, it has noted with great disappointment the comments made by Minister Ramsaran to women’s rights activist, Sherlina Nageer.
“The remarks uttered are disturbing and the High Commission of Canada condemns any form of abuse, including verbal and threatened, towards women. Threats of violence against women are never acceptable.”
The High Commission said that the struggle to fully attain women’s rights, in Guyana and around the world, is an ongoing battle that must be won.
“Such incidents weaken the progress that has been made. Global statistics produced by the UN, reinforce the need to strengthen women’s rights…”
The High Commissioner said that it is a fact that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence; more than one in three girls alive today were married before the age of 15; women still account for two thirds of the world’s illiterate population; and in the realm of politics, although women constitute just about half of the world’s population, they occupy only 22 percent of Parliamentary seats worldwide.
“All partners should be unwaveringly committed to advancing the rights of women. Political leaders have a special responsibility because they have the largest platforms, influence and decision-making ability. The High Commission of Canada hopes that leaders recognise the critical role they play in governance, including providing leadership and empowering the citizens of Guyana, including women.”
The High Commission said that the empowerment of women and girls is a priority for the Government of Canada and “we remain steadfast in our defence of their rights, both in Canada and abroad.”
Yesterday also, a statement from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that President Donald Ramotar has strongly reprimanded Ramsaran following revelation of statements he uttered during and following a public confrontation with a protesting citizen from Georgetown in Berbice.
“The statements and behaviour of the Minister do not reflect the high-standards I have set for Ministerial conduct nor the public’s expectations of an office holder. It is outright disrespectful and improper. I intend to have further discussions with the Minister on this matter,” President Ramotar said.
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