By Sue-Ann Wayow
CRIMES of a sexual nature are serious and should never be callously dismissed says Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
In a statement on Monday, she said once again Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds has demonstrated incompetence by his recent statements that victims of sexual assault were “profiting” from attack.
She described his remarks as “reprehensible, shameful, and disgusting.”
Persad-Bissessar said, “Providing no evidence to substantiate his outlandish claims, Hinds is now telling the nation that unsolved sexual crimes are due to victims making deals with criminals. This Rowley government is taking victim-blaming to a new obscene and appalling level.
“Hinds is desperately trying to cover for his own incompetence in national security, because he is presiding over a crime surge that has left citizens feeling afraid and uncertain about their personal safety. Sexual Assault and rape are serious crimes that should never be callously dismissed.”
The Opposition Leader there were several reasons currently preventing victims from coming forward, chief among them was a lack of trust in the justice system.
The latest statements by Hinds will further erode the work being done to encourage victims to come forward, and to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice, Persad-Bissessar said.
Persad-Bissessar also said that no responsible Prime Minister can allow a minister who accuses victims of sexual assault and rape of profiting from said assault to remain as National Security Minister.
She called again for an immediate firing of Hinds.
“Fitzgerald Hinds has disgraced himself and the office he holds. He must go now,” Persad-Bissessar said.
