Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has highlighted the urgent need for attention to the issue of violence against women and children, emphasizing the role of police officers in addressing this serious problem.
In an interview on the Afternoon Lockdown radio show, Jagdeo remarked, “I’ve seen many cases where the Police don’t pay enough attention to the matter. We need to have greater Police accountability.” His comments come in light of alarming statistics reported by the News Room, which documented 11 instances of women killed by ex-partners, along with other tragic cases involving domestic violence.
Jagdeo stressed the importance of fostering a culture of intolerance towards violence, which requires collaboration from various stakeholders, including religious organizations and non-governmental organizations. He underscored that while cultural change is essential, there must also be stricter enforcement of existing laws.
The issue of police accountability was further highlighted by the recent case of 26-year-old Jenel Pollydore, who was shot and killed by her abusive ex-partner at a wedding reception. Despite having obtained a restraining order, relatives claimed she had sought additional police support weeks prior but received no assistance.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud also commented on Pollydore’s tragic death, calling for ongoing training for police officers to better handle domestic violence cases.
In addition to addressing law enforcement, Jagdeo emphasized the need to empower women through support systems and employment opportunities, aiming to create a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by violence.
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