Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 02, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
President Jagdeo’s flippant and irritated responses to the status of his marriage/union, and his treatment of Ms. Singh and her charitable work, are unacceptable. Spousal abuse and the legality of a union are not private matters.
These are legitimate public issues that bear consequences for people and society as a whole. The President is the country’s most powerful person. His behaviour/actions offer insight into his thinking, management, and treatment (potential) of others. Given what we know, this matter is relevant to all of us. Consequently, issues, even if they are unpleasant, must be addressed.
The violation of Ms. Singh’s rights: By United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Ms. Singh suffered “inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 5);” and was denied “equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution (Article 16).” These are universal rights written into our Constitution and laws.
For nine years, the President did not register the union and allow the world to refer to Ms. Singh as Mrs. Jagdeo, instead of her correct name. (The Marriage Act Chapter. 45:01 allows Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious leaders to be Marriage Officers.)
In the Western Hemisphere the President’s wife carries the title, “First Lady.” This title is accorded the legally wedded wife of the President. Given this union was not, Ms. Singh’s comment that the title of First Lady was “a myth” could have been her way of calling attention to this anomaly. The relevant Protocol Office should advise whether Guyana confirms to the established definition, or has redefined the title “First Lady.”
Ms. Singh alleges she was mistreated for nine years by President Jagdeo. The media can help us understand, through qualified opinions, the psychology that evokes such behaviour types. The correlation between the President’s state of mind and governance style, and the political influence he wields over others. Ms. Singh has informed of instances where the President denied her, sabotaged her work, and his ability to drive fear into others who want to render her assistance.
Was counselling offered to Ms. Singh and/or President Jagdeo?
Have the wives and women in the diplomatic community spoken out on this tragedy, silently suffered by many women too afraid to speak for themselves? Will women’s groups and the Guyana Human Rights Association file complaints or lobby international human rights and women’s organisations?
Ms. Singh’s anguish is felt by every woman and caring man. People are genuinely upset over her story. Her voice, though admirably resolute and determined, carries the years of anguish of a woman who suffered much but refuses to be broken. She has become a beacon for women like her, who have fallen down but refuse to fall off, refuse to be silenced, or have become too afraid/ashamed to speak out.
Those with the power within their means please remember Ms. Singh’s story is much more than a love gone sour, or an important lady speaking out. Ms. Singh’s voice represents the voices of millions of women who refuse to accept they are lesser than, created by God to follow and not lead, must suffer in silence, and abuse is demonstrative of love.
Many rights activists around the world, past and present, have given their lives to reverse these misfortunes. In the pursuit of a just and equitable society, the story of Ms. Singh must not be a seven-day itch. Neither must we surrender to the President’s desire to bury or forget this unfortunate incident, because of who he is. If we do, we send a signal to women at home and abroad that they have lost the struggle and men remain powerful over them…
Name and address withheld
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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