Over 50 `Stamp it out’ meetings held

Stabroek News – December 25, 2007

More than fifty “Stamp it out” consultations were held across the country since early November and as it nears the wrap-up date, persons are being urged to still make contributions.Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the consultations on sexual violence so far, and plans to host a live television programme early next year before the paper is laid before the National Assembly.”The Government will continue to initiate talks on the prevalent issues in society and we see this as a national conversation where the intervention of everyone is needed”, Manickchand was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

She further stated that stamping out violence in the society will be a continuing effort of her ministry, adding that this is also part of government’s commitment.

Stamp it out which contains proposals that deal with toughening up of laws against sexual offences and improving protection against sexual violence is expected to be presented in Parliament in the first quarter of 2008.

Consultations which began on November 2 end on December 31 and persons are being encouraged to make contributions by telephone, letters or emails to the ministry.A massive education campaign will be launched after the new sexual violence bill would have been passed.