NEW AMSTERDAM, Berbice — September 10, 2026
Minister of Human Resource and Social Security Dr. Vidya Prasad is urging agencies that deal with sexual violence to strengthen their response and make sure victims get timely protection, support and access to justice.
The minister made the call on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at a child sexual abuse workshop at the Guyana Police Force Training Center. The workshop was hosted by the ministry's Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.
It brought together police officers, medical practitioners, child protection and probation officers, lawyers, school counsellors and other professionals who respond to cases of sexual violence.
Dr. Prasad said Guyana has made progress, but sexual violence remains a serious concern. She disclosed that 209 rape cases were recorded in 2025, while 85 cases were recorded between January and June 2026.
She said the country must keep working to bring these numbers down, with the ultimate goal of eradicating rape and child sexual abuse.
The ministry is calling for improvements at every stage of the response process, including reporting, investigations, medical examinations, evidence collection and prosecution. The minister also called for rape kits to be readily available in every region and for more medical personnel to be trained to conduct examinations.
Dr. Prasad further stressed the need to strengthen support services, including child advocacy centres, the 24-hour 914 hotline, the I Matter app and the Hope and Justice centres.
She urged participants to identify gaps, improve communication and strengthen collaboration among agencies. The minister said effective legislation and policies must be backed by a coordinated response from all stakeholders, so that children and survivors are better protected and cases are handled promptly.
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By LRTVS NewsWatch · Channel 10. This report first aired on LRTVS NewsWatch.
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