We Must do More

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, May 03, 2021

By Jean Lowrei-Chin

Members of the Gender Advisory Committee (GAC) have released a statement, noting, “We are deeply troubled about the implications of the alleged abusive behaviour of MP [Member of Parliament] George Wright. The first context is the ‘physical altercation’ reported to the police by MP George Wright and Tannisha Singh on April 6, 2021. They are allegedly linked to the circulation on social media, of a violent battering of a woman by a man. The second context is the rising incidents of family and domestic violence. This incident brings to the fore the perpetuation of violence against women and girls (VAW). It amplifies the absence of effective institutional mechanisms to curb gender-based violence (GBV). We must do more to end this perpetual cycle of violence and abuse!”

They have requested an urgent meeting with Olivia “Babsy” Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport. “We must expedite specific actions that can accelerate the achievement of the goals and objectives of the National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE),” they wrote. “This action is imperative to bring short-term and longer-term protection and relief to women, girls, and families affected, as well as to curb the escalation of GBV.”

I join them in urging “every Jamaican to do more to end the scourge of gender-based violence and all forms of violence in Jamaica”.