By Svetlana Marshall

A number of Amerindian leaders from Regions 2, 6 and 9, have issued a call on the Government to establish an impartial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the growing number of allegations of rape, sexual abuse and misconduct in indigenous villages by persons, including those in position of power, who have been allegedly using their political influence to hamper police investigations.

At a Thursday press conference at the Herdmanston Lodge, Head of the Indigenous Delegation, Mark Anthony Rodrigues, who hails from St Ignatius Village in Region 9, said the violence perpetrated against Indigenous women and children is becoming a norm and in most instances, it is being allowed to go unnoticed by those in authority. 

“We would like call on the government to launch an impartial inquiry into these allegedly sexual misconducts, committed in the confines of our Amerindian villages, where in most instances, are hampered by political interference into these allegations, resulting in cover ups, from prosecution by the courts, while denying justice for the victims in this process,” Rodrigues said.

He said in recent times, the Delegation has received reports of alleged cases of rape involving officials from within the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. 

“In recent times, information came out from remote areas that…these acts were committed by officials by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, in senior positions, and when these matters are reported to the police, there is always an intervention politically, then the allegations leveled against these political officials are stopped there by political intervention by offering compensation, brides, and it gets nowhere from there,” he explained. 

Mr. Rodrigues said the continued denial and violation of the rights of Indigenous women and children have placed Amerindian people in an even more vulnerable position for continued assault on their human rights.

He said should the government heed their call, and that the inquiry finds that officials of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, are indeed culpable, then the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai should be made to step down. 

Gloria Durante of Rupertee Village said reports of violence meted out to women and children in Indigenous communities should not be swept under the carpet, noting that the time for action is now. 

“When matters like violence, rape, and cases like that are reported to the police, it takes long to be looked at. They don’t really follow up. Sometimes it goes through the court yes, but I don’t know for some reason or the other they would take long. For example, there are two cases, which were reported by me and it is two years now, and the girl who was raped, the parents are still awaiting to hear from the court,” Durante explained. 

Meanwhile, Immaculata Casimero of Aishalton, Region 9, said although laws exist to protect women and children, there is little enforcement of those laws, resulting in them facing significant abuse. She said domestic violence is another burning issue to be addressed. 

“Although laws exist to protect women’s rights, we as indigenous women face many challenges, including discrimination and violation of our rights. And there is also little support given to us as indigenous women to enforce these rights. The efforts to eliminate discrimination against women and girls do not reach our communities at times,” she said.  

It was also noted that in the case of domestic violence and abuse, the main contributing factor is abuse of alcohol and drug, which is another issue that is not receiving adequate attention. 

The indigenous leaders also spoke about the psychological scars that are being inflicted on Indigenous women and children and the need for psychological support, genuine representation and legal aid. 

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