UDP Criticizes Government Response to Garbutt Case

The domestic abuse case involving Police Constable Phillip Garbutt continues to generate national debate, with the Opposition now weighing in on the government’s response.  At a press briefing, Annmarie Williams of the United Democratic Party criticized Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia Ramirez, arguing that her response to the matter has fallen short.  Williams contended that while public statements have been made, there has been little visible action to match the seriousness of the situation, particularly given that the alleged abuse, captured on video, has sparked widespread concern across the country.  Williams further emphasized that cases involving children demand urgent and transparent intervention, and called for stronger enforcement of protocols within the justice and social protection systems.

Ann Marie Williams, Head, UDP National Organization for Women: “In October last year when those six women were killed by the hands of men who professed to have loved them. I remember the minister responsible for gender, the Honourable Théa Garcia saying that, you know, this will not happen again because we are looking to change the system. Yes, a piece was put in to try to get the JPs to sign on to orders to help women. What about what about this system right here where the courts continue to allow people to drop the charges? This shouldn’t have happened. It didn’t have to happen. Yes, she may want to drop the charges. She still wants to be in the union, everything. I could understand that fully, but it’s a public health issue. And signing on to the different conventions like Belém de Parra that we’ve done makes it a crime against the state, GBV. A zero tolerance approach must be levied but we have not yet adopt a zero tolerance approach. And this is what continues to happen. And it’s not good enough. So we call on the courts to make sure that their presence is felt.”