Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has labelled domestic violence and bullying a “national crisis.” She made the statement while speaking at a Divali function at her Siparia constituency office on Sunday evening, saying she had recognised the alarming rise in fatal assaults.
“As you may all know, over the last few months we have been witnessing an alarming increase in domestic violence and bullying in our country. Sadly, it has cost us the lives of many women and children. This is now a national crisis and we must all make a collective effort this truly dangerous trend,” Persad-Bissessar said.
In October alone, 15-year-old student Jayden Lalchan ended his life after allegedly enduring years of bullying at school. There were also separate incidents of women being killed by their spouses or partners. On October 9, 34-year-old Tara Ramsaroop and her 14-month-old baby were murdered by a close male relative. Three days later, a woman was chopped to death by her male partner in Princes Town.
Persad-Bissessar stressed that a multi-faceted approach was needed to tackle the issues.
She further lobbied for assistance from foreign missions and members of the diplomatic corps, some of whom were present at the function, to help in addressing the issues. She said they could play a part in protecting women and children across the nation.
“Tonight, I ask you, please lend us your powerful voices, your resources, your expertise where possible towards eradicating this scourge of violence and bullying, especially against our women and children,” the Opposition leader said.
Persad-Bissessar explained that lives can no longer be shattered by violence and intimidation.
“It is only by protecting our women and our children that our country can truly progress,” she said.