by Sandra C A Ferguson
The Grouping of Civil Society Organisations notes with horror and grief the death of another girl child, a victim of sexual violence.
While the nation vents its outrage, it is useful that each of us pause in self-reflection and ask the following questions:
- What society have we created?
- What society are we creating?
- What conditions in our home, community and society could have created someone capable of such a heinous crime?
- Is Grenada becoming an unsafe place for our women and girls?
- What has happened to the time when the village was an extended familyand each member of that extended family took responsibility for the protection and upbringing of ALL the family’s children?
- How have we as individuals contributed to such a society as we have now?
As our country prepares for the election bell, those who would be our representatives, future lawmakers and stewards of the people’s affairs, must outline their visions and plans to address this scourge of violence against women and children. We citizens must rigorously interrogate their proposals which must be inclusive and wholistic.
The Grouping of Civil Society Organisations offers its condolences to the grieving family and friends of the victim. It urges each citizen to take individual responsibility for making Grenada a place where its women and girls are valued and protected.