Aaliyah...

I was going to include with this post, a photo of our latest murdered child but I couldn't. It occurred to me that in some ways the spotlight that is being placed on her now is as obscene as the cloak of silence/invisibility that enabled her abuser(s). Obscene, because it is more than likely that our outrage will amount to nothing.

Aaliyah was the closest that a child could come to being called a living doll. She was beautiful in appearance, with a sweet smile and clear and compelling eyes that were full of life. Looking at her photograph, I can only think of putting my arms around her little body to belatedly hug her and protect her. She was a small, innocent and vulnerable child who was used and abused in ways that would break, if not the body then certainly the spirit of an adult.

But she is walking away from all of us and our impotent outrage and distress to take her place among the host of other children who have been dispatched by this society. I regret to have to predict this but Aaliyah will not be the last to join them.

The sort of callousness that did not recognise or respect her humanity/divinity is not something that was just one lifetime in the making. This sin is generational and it will also be generations before it is lifted...and only if we begin right away to work towards that future.

Government offices and officials can only do so much. We are the ones, however, who have actually heard the cries and have seen the bruises and other signs of abuse. We continue to be the silent witnesses in our neighbourhoods and in our own homes. We have to stop pretending that it will all go away because "time longer than twine" or because we've delegated to God the task of "putting a hand".

If you know or suspect that anyone is being abused in your community, whether child or adult, DO SOMETHING. Doing something may include personal intervention where it is safe for yourself and/or the victim to do so or where you can actually make a difference. In all other scenarios where the situation is beyond your control or expertise, DO NOT HESITATE to involve the relevant authorities who have the resources to conduct lawful and professional interventions.

Relatives, neighbours coming forward after the fact can satisfy our desire for the details but they cannot reverse the tragedy which might have been prevented.

I posted the information below after Josiah Governor's death:

Abused children often show sudden and marked changes in behaviour that are telltale signs that they may be abused. Some behavioural signs to look for are:

• Withdrawal from activities, friends and family;
• Display of inappropriate/overt sexual behaviour;
• Unusual interest in, or avoidance of all things of a sexual nature;
• Visible sadness;
• Poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, malnourishment;
• Marked decline in school performance;
• Self-destructive or self-abusive behaviour or suicidal thoughts;
• Aggressive or disruptive behaviour; and
• Avoidance or dislike of visiting a particular relative or family friend.

Anyone who observes these behaviours in a child must notify the school principal/teacher/social worker in your community, or call
Childline at 131 or 800-4231. SOURCE


REPORT ALL FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OBSERVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!!


For victim, perpetrator and third party advice call the
National Domestic Violence Hotline
at (868) 800-SAVE (7283) for 24-hr telephone counseling, support and access to safe accommodation.

Call the police, even if you are more comfortable making an anonymous report.
Anti Crime Hotline: 555
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"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

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