Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has made a passionate plea for urgent societal change to combat the ongoing violence in Guyana, attributing much of it to “toxic men.” His remarks, made at a recent forum, emphasized the need for early intervention starting in schools and homes.
Minister Benn pointed out that many violent behaviors stem from male insecurity and dysfunction. “Much of our problems in Guyana relate to the behavior of men. We think we have money power, physical power, sexual power, and we must all be on top,” he stated bluntly. He highlighted the importance of engaging men directly to change harmful cultural norms.
“We have to speak to men. They must not pass a policeman on the road playing dirty music in their car or minibus. It is that culture—the catcalling, the loud vulgarity, the harassment—that must change,” he urged.
His comments come amid a troubling increase in violent crimes, particularly those involving male perpetrators and female victims. Between January and July 2025, there were 11 reported instances of women being killed by ex-partners, alongside other incidents of domestic violence.
Notable cases included:
Bibi Fazila Ally, murdered by her former partner just a month after their separation.
Kenesha Vaughn, shot and killed by her partner, who is currently on remand.
Marissa Beete, killed by her ex-boyfriend, a convicted drug trafficker.
In April, a particularly gruesome incident saw Parmanand Ramdial kill his wife and two family members before taking his own life.
In light of these alarming statistics, Minister Benn announced plans for increased public education and outreach, focusing on reshaping masculinity and promoting healthier relationships. The government aims to implement programs in schools and homes, extending to various media platforms such as newspapers, magazines, and social media.
“The Police Force has the difficult task of dealing with bad men, and the Prison Service currently houses around 2,000 men who reflect this troubling behavior,” Benn noted, underscoring the need for a cultural shift.
As violence continues to plague communities, the Minister’s call for change highlights the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of male aggression and promote a safer environment for all.
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