The NGO National Coordinating Coalition Inc. held an important gender-based violence (GBV) sensitization gathering today in the remote village of Micobie, Lower Potaro where scores of community members and village leadership assembled at the main benab for the informative session.
Micobie’s Toshao Colonel Edwards welcomed the NCC’s team, underscoring the village leadership’s commitment to addressing GBV issues collaboratively with NGOs and law enforcement.
NCC lawyer Hugh Park discussed at length the legal services and recourse available to GBV survivors seeking justice. He answered several questions about victim rights and law enforcement duties. Psychologist Latoya Beckles emphasized the importance of psychosocial care for GBV survivors, also personally connecting with grieving relatives of the 2023 tragedy to provide counselling.
Attendees acknowledged alcohol abuse in the village frequently triggers GBV incidents. Toshao Edwards and other leaders pledged to boost preventative measures and strengthen response protocols when incidents occur.
“We would like Micobie to be a safe, supportive community where men, women, boys and girls can thrive free of violence,” said one villager who spoke of her own experience . “This session showed us practical actions we can take to get there.”
The NCC team called on all community members to be vigilant allies ready to speak out against GBV and refer victims to assistance. The team committed to continue working along with regional officials to conduct more educational gatherings aimed at fostering a protective landscape for GBV victims across Micobie and the larger region.
This program is in partnership with the Local Engagement and Action Fund – LEAF of Canada and the Guyana Police force.