Greater Police accountability needed to counter violence against women, children – Jagdeo 

Violence against women and children is a serious issue that requires much attention from all stakeholders, including Police Officers, according to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

“I’ve seen many cases where the Police don’t pay enough attention to the matter. We need to have greater Police accountability,” the Vice President said during an interview on the Afternoon Lockdown radio show.

Between January and July 2025, the News Room reported about 11 instances in which women were killed by their ex-partners, and in one case, a young woman was murdered by her stepfather, while another case involved the murder of a woman during a robbery.

Jagdeo acknowledged the issue and emphasised that there must be a culture of intolerance towards violence. And developing that culture, he said, requires all partners from religious bodies to non-governmental organisations.

Beyond culture, he agreed that there must be greater enforcement of the laws. That’s why he stressed the need for greater Police accountability.

This need was spotlighted in a recent case of domestic violence that led to the death of 26-year-old Jenel Pollydore. She was shot and killed at a wedding reception in Linden by her abusive ex-partner, for whom she had obtained a restraining order. Relatives, however, alleged that she had sought greater Police support weeks ahead of the incident, but that was not forthcoming.

Guyana’s Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, spoke out about what happened with Pollydore. She too said continuous work must be done to train Police Officers.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo also said women must be better empowered with crucial support systems and avenues for employment.