Grange voices deep concern at gang rape accusation

Sunday, February 20, 2011

OLIVIA 'Babsy' Grange, the minister of youth, sports and culture who has responsibility for gender affairs, has expressed shock and deep concern at the allegation that an exotic dancer was held at gunpoint and gang-raped by five policemen in St Catherine last Wednesday night.

"The issue of violence against women and girls is of critical concern, and violence against women is a human rights violation," Grange said in a statement.

"We are appalled at this alleged act," she added. "Any act of sexual abuse or other forms of violence against our women and girls should not be condoned in any shape or form, either in private, public or by the state."

A person claiming to have witnessed the alleged rape at a nightclub in Dam Head said that the policemen entered the club and were searching the premises before they ordered some of the dancers to leave.

"I was in the club when I saw a group of policemen enter the place, and while they were there they held up one of the girls and threatened her that if she talked dem would kill her and her boss," said the person claiming to be an eyewitness.

Grange said she was calling upon the police commissioner "to ensure that investigations be carried out speedily so that the perpetrators will be brought to swift justice".

Yesterday, Grange said that the allegation has brought into focus the treatment of women in this country. She added that over the years, Jamaica has made progress in lifting the status of women and girls.

"Nationally, we have accepted the principle of gender equality and the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls," said Grange. "By and large, ours is a society in which a young girl feels free to make her choices and to live as a liberated, confident woman."

While she noted that gender equality is still years away, Grange outlined a number of Government initiatives aimed at addressing violence against women and girls.

"We are reviewing legislation to ensure that they give adequate protection to women and girls; and we are also training and sensitising stakeholders in the justice system, including magistrates, about critical gender issues," she said.