Prime Minister emphasizes rights of children in Guyanese society

GEORGETOWN,Monday, May 29, 2017 – Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, this morning, reinforced that Guyana’s Constitution makes provisions for the welfare of the child.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the Rights of the Child – Child Rights and Independence Workshop at Herdmanston Lodge, where he explained that the Office of the Prime Minister had recently issued an advisory emphasizing that the names and photos of children below the age of 18 years should not be published. He noted that children should not be made the object of sensationalism, “the media has a responsibility not to demoralize the children.”

Through the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and the Government of Guyana, the Prime Minister said, we can bask in the glory and satisfaction that much has been achieved, but “we still have a far way to go.”

“Statistics will show that education has not ceased to be an obsession of this country but we have a far way to go until we can provide free university education for all our children”, Prime Minister related.

After 51 years of independence, he said, we cannot be diverted from the need to provide the best opportunities for our children.

Aleema Nasir, Chairperson of the RCC, explained that the workshop is intended to explore, with the school children of Guyana, the history and significance of Guyana’s Independence linked to a theme of human and child rights.

Nasir noted also that the legacies of colonialism will be discussed and the human rights of Guyana’s children particularly education. Other related themes that will be examined are leadership, youth empowerment, models of child poverty, community development and children in public policy.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, Indra Chandrapaul -Chairperson Women and Gender Equality Commission, European Union Ambassador Jernej Videtic and Cultural Advisor- Ministry of Education Ruel Johnson attended this morning’s ceremony.