Rights activist and leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes, has condemned the public abuse and humiliation of a schoolgirl by two welfare officers, calling it indicative of the troubling state of childcare services in Guyana. Broomes emphasized that the incident reflects a broader pattern of neglect and mistreatment within the country’s childcare institutions.
Highlighting previous incidents, Broomes pointed to an alarming event from August 2025, when 21 girls escaped from the Mahaica Girls’ Home, as well as numerous escapes from the Juvenile Holding Centre in Sophia due to poor living conditions. As a former Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), she underscored the urgency of the situation.
While acknowledging that Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has initiated an investigation into the recent incident involving the schoolgirl, Broomes called for a comprehensive inquiry into the Childcare Protection Agency (CPA) and all associated children’s homes. She expressed concerns over reports of food shortages and various allegations of abuse and mistreatment occurring within these facilities.
“How can the state manage itself?” Broomes questioned, highlighting the contradictions faced by children removed from abusive family situations only to endure further maltreatment in state care. “These children, many already suffering, are made to be silent. This is oppression,” she stressed.
In light of these ongoing issues, Broomes proposed that the government partner with civil society to ensure the effective operation of childcare facilities. She criticized the state for operating independently, neglecting the voices of vulnerable children who seek support rather than punishment.
Accompanied by ALP members and supporters, Broomes picketed outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during a Women’s Day event organized by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
ALP Member Oscar Jacobis further highlighted the pressing issue of gender-based violence, noting that while International Women’s Day aims to celebrate women, many continue to suffer from violence without adequate protection from authorities.
“We have a culture here in Guyana where we mimic other countries, but not in ways that effectively protect our women and children,” Jacobis stated. He pointed out that nations like Italy and China have taken significant steps to combat gender-based violence, contrasting this with the situation in Guyana.
Jacobis also mentioned that although the Family Violence Act was passed in 2024, its effectiveness hinges on proper enforcement. The ALP continues to advocate for stronger protections and accountability to ensure the safety and welfare of women and children in the country.
