The leader of the main opposition New Democratic Party, (NDP), Dr. Godwin Friday has warned of a “pervasive rape culture” in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Addressing the annual convention of the NDP’s Women’s Arm on Sunday, Friday said that the island’s poor economic situation has also exposed women and girls to sexual exploitation.
“We cannot ignore the pervasive rape culture in our country today nor can we turn a blind eye to the frightening level of sexual violence inflicted upon our women and children,” he said.
“Regional an international reports and statistics on violence against women paint a very bleak picture for us here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We recognise the serious national crisis that we are facing,” Friday said, adding “I have said repeatedly, and it bears saying here again today, the situation in our country with respect to rape and sexual violence is a national disgrace.
“It demands urgent attention from government, civil society groups and all individuals in this country. It must be all hands on deck for tackling this problem,” he added.
Friday said that rape and sexual assault in all forms must be never normalised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Our party will improve our criminal justice system and make sure that justice is not only seen to be done but actually is done.”
Friday’s comment came at a time when police have charged a number of men in connection with alleged sexual crime against little girls, some as young as 5 years old and the Opposition Leader said an NDP administration would pay particular attention to the problem of sexual violence and sexual exploitation of women and girls.
“The poor economic conditions in our country — we all feel it — is a big part of the problem facing women and children in our society. Many fall prey to sexual predators seeking to take advantage of their poverty and debt.
“The high unemployment rate and poor socio-economic condition in our country is simply intolerable. We all know it. So, this knowledge must help up in our common cause to liberate our country and help our people to live lives of dignity and promise. It is not too much to ask.”
Friday told the convention that the rise of social media has made matters worse, adding that political bullying and violence has become so prevalent that international institutions such as the United Nations and the West Minster Foundation for Democracy have coined the phrase “violence against women in politics” and have held discussions and consultations on this growing problem
“You and I know that the situation is particularly bad in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We must change it,” Friday said, reiterating that his party is committed to making positive changes for women and girls here.
“The NDP is focussed on creating jobs and other economic opportunities for people of this country. We are committed to reducing the tax burden on the people and getting the people back to work. That is a promise that we will deliver when we are elected to office soon — in the next general election.”
General elections are constitutionally due in March 2021.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
What has become of the case involving Carmelo Gonsalves and Yugge Farrell??
Tjey lock the poor girl away in a mental home saying she crazy and poor little Ralphie’s son was the victim when they done they want say Antigua has a corrupt governament.
Comments are closed.