Latest update April 17th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 06, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
It is indeed a good sign to see that various organisations in Guyana are committed to pursue a path to ensure that the allegations made by former First Lady, Varshine Jagdeo, are investigated.
I do not believe that with these most damning allegations, laid at the feet of our President, any of us can sit idly by and allow these claims to just melt away into thin air. Guyanese women continue to be abused daily and many of then remain silent victims to their perils primarily because they feel that there is no way out, and that no justice will be given in their case.
Further, many of them continue to believe that being physically, verbally, emotionally or otherwise abused by their spouse is a price they have to pay in the relationship.
Varshine Singh’s account of her misgivings, claimed to have been committed at the hands of President Jagdeo, her then husband, must be a wake-up call to remind and educate those women that domestic violence is not a norm in any relationship. Varshine’s sufferings must serve as a catalyst for drastic action to be taken to rid this kind of violence from our society.
When the president of a country is accused of inhumane behaviour, against his own wife, all citizens must be concerned since this represents the pinnacle of domestic violence, once the claims are substantiated.
At a time when the Guyana Government has subscribed, or signed on to all current laws, treaties, and agreements to ensure women’s rights are protected, we have the leader of the nation accused with violating these very rights.
In any true democracy, such allegations would have led to immediate investigation to ascertain the validity of the claims, made by the former First Lady or, in some instances impeachment proceedings. But what we see, instead, is President Jagdeo appearing to be unconcerned about the allegations which he seems to view as non issues. His uncaring and dismissive manner in dealing with Ms. Singh and her complaints against him can only be described as disgusting and insensitive.
Is this how the President views the legislations implemented to address domestic violence? It was most unfortunate to hear the President’s response to Ms. Singh’s claims that “he is trying to move on with his life and that he wishes her well”. Well Mr. Jagdeo must know that this is not a matter for him to just throw the issues behind his back and move on with his dear sweet life.
This is a matter which requires intensive investigation; it is the President who is alleged to have committed grave inhumane acts against a helpless woman, his wife. So you can’t move on Sir, until you satisfy the people that you are innocent of these charges. I am disappointed that to date the Minister of Social and Human Services, Ms. Priya Manickchand, has not signaled her intention to meet with Ms. Varshine Singh to formalize her complaint and to initiate some kind of investigation. Her silence so far can only leave one to think that the Ministry has different policies for different categories of alleged perpetrators; apparently the concept of the rule of law is meant to be observed in the breach, or might not be applicable when the “power wielders” are the accused.
This matter cannot be washed under the table.
The nation needs to know the truth. We must know whether the President is guilty of these allegations.
His scathing remarks, in relation to the allegations, have done nothing to absolve him of any guilt. In fact, it only raises more questions regarding his views on domestic violence and human rights. And I must say the questions are indeed indicating some frightening revelations.
Lurlene Nestor
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