ILP hits ‘womanisers in high office’ It is time to speak out against

ILP hits ‘womanisers in high office’ It is time to speak out against womanisers in high office, according to Crystal Charles, gender officer of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) Youth Arm. In a release on Monday, Charles noted the recent “disturbing allegations’’ brought against two Government ministers which led to their subsequent dismissal. She asked whether these issues would be swept under the carpet and why women’s groups were silent. “Where are the women’s groups when you need them? What does the Women’s Action Committee have to say in light of the upsurge in violence against women, especially coming from high office? The Centre for Gender and Development Studies seems mute,” said Charles. “Why are we not hearing the group, Men Against Violence against Women? Tobago seems unaffected by this growing phenomenon; why haven’t the Patience Hill Women’s Group and the women against abuse and violent encounters made a statement? More so, where is Verna St Rose Greaves with her bell when you need her!?” she added. She said the purpose of forming those very important organisations must never be forgotten. “If not for the sake of the nation, a stance must be taken for the nation’s children. How are we as adults going to frown upon reports which suggest that our children are having sex at school and partaking in school violence when those we have stained our fingers for are forcing themselves on helpless individuals in public restrooms, and battering women merely a fraction of their size?” she said. “It is now time to mobilise our efforts and speak out against those womanisers in high office. In the light of those recent allegations concerning public officials, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service now has an opportunity to restore public trust and confidence by thoroughly investigating those matters so that justice would take its course,” she added. The trend of violence against women, she said, was becoming more prevalent. Charles said violence against women, particularly sexual violence against women is a major public health problem and violation of women’s human rights. She said this denies women peace of mind, bodily integrity and a sense of development, curtailing their contribution to development.