Is there a lot of abused children on the Corentyne?
There are too many abused children all over Guyana especially in the rural areas, it is heart breaking to know just how rampant child abuse is. There are some right-minded NGOs that are doing a lot for kids in some communities but the Government needs to do much more, set up safe houses, ensure that the new child protection laws are enforced, provide counseling and skills training/ job opportunities (directly or through incentives to industry) in the more depressed areas. The Government is not paying enough attention to social services.
Abused! Does it mean disciplined with licks, Sexual, Abandoned, etc,etc.
I trying to grasp really what is the problem. Growing up, there were isolated cases. From what you have stated, it appears to be rampant. Please a little more details.
No, no, I don't mean disciplining of children so that they operate within basic social norms and such like things. I am talking about things like sexual abuse and gross neglect, incest, the things that violate and damage and destroy children. If you talk with the people from Save Abee, Help and Shelter, Restoring Hope International to name some of the NGOs that focus on alleviating these problems, you will get a better picture. A lot of the problems arise because of alcoholism and poverty, lack of education. When last you visited the rural areas of Guyana? not just to enjoy the coconut water, and duck and wild meat and boat rides up a creek, etc. but to really look at that is happening with the bulk of the people in those communities? I think that it depends on the lens you choose to wear when you visit. I am not morbid and I do not look to detract from the obvious advancements that Guyanese as a whole have experienced since the early 1990s but there is a real problem in the country with violence and abuse, especially directed at the children. I tell you, it haunts me and I wish I could do so much more.
And BTW, on Sunday, President Donald Ramotar in talking about the Bal Nivas facility acknowledged/ stated that there is a real problem concerning neglect and abuse of children in Guyana. I hope that indicates greater focus on alleviating the problem by everyone who can make a difference. Those few authentic NGOs that look after the children so deserve respect.