Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, is putting parents and the public on notice: silence is not an option when it comes to child abuse and teenage pregnancy involving minors.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dr. Persaud warned that anyone who is aware of such cases and fails to report them could face criminal prosecution.
“Many times when we have cases of teenage pregnancy, parents have to understand they have a responsibility to report… anyone who is aware and they don’t report any case of child abuse… they are considered complicit and they can be charged under the law,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Persaud outlined that the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), operating under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, takes the lead in all matters involving children. Once a report is made — whether before or after a minor is admitted to hospital — the CPA steps in to provide counselling and support to both mother and child, while engaging closely with their families.
Where abuse is suspected, investigations are conducted in partnership with the Guyana Police Force. Confirmed cases are referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, with the full weight of the court system brought to bear on identified perpetrators.
The Minister also highlighted the use of forensic interviews, conducted in a controlled and protective environment, designed to minimise further trauma for young victims.
“So the child tells her story only once and then the law should take its course,” she explained.
Under Guyanese law, the age of consent is 16, and any sexual activity involving a child below that age constitutes statutory rape.
Dr. Persaud further revealed that work has been underway since last year to strengthen referral pathways between agencies, ensuring cases are handled efficiently and in line with standard operating procedures. The ministry also plans to ramp up training, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach to drive home the message that reporting is a civic and legal duty.
“We are going to go out there aggressively to let people know that they have a duty to report. It is not enough to know about it and talk about it… reporting is critical in all of this,” Dr. Persaud said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report cases of child abuse or suspected exploitation to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) or the Guyana Police Force.
