Caribbean Rape Culture

(photo taken from unstock credited to Cristian Newman)

Globally we have seen women speaking out on issues such as rape. We have seen the success of the ‘me too’ movement and women’s ability to publicly speak out on a topic which was once taboo.

The Guyana Police Force reports there are roughly two reported cases a week, the case of Yuggee Farell in St.Vincent questions the Gonsalves family treatment of women and, Grenada being ranked within the top 10 countries for rape in the world population review rape statistics 2020, are among some of the reason the Caribbean is being highlighted for its ‘rape culture’.

In November 2020 Jamaican reggae artist ‘Jah Cure’ was caught on video threatening and beating a woman for sex and the comments on the feed wereso disturbing. The number of females who cast judgment on the victim, while justifying the actions of the perpetrator is just an example of how society (even the women) views rape and show prejudice towards those who are brave enough to report it.

Bringing it home to Barbados, reading the newspaper these last couple of months sparked anger in many Barbadians, as rape cases from 2010 are now being dealt with. Can you imagine being raped and every day for 10 years you live in fear of that person attacking you again? How about being accused of rape, remanded and outkasted by society (because we know in Barbados you are guilty until proven innocent) only to be found ‘not guilty’ 10 or more years later?

On October 2nd, the trial of police constable Jason Andre Callender was heard as he denied having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl between June 1st and October 7th, 2010. One of the key witnesses was the alleged victim’s grandmother. This was her response to the court to the statement written in October 2010. “I remember giving a statement, but I don’t remember when it was, and I can’t remember what went on now.” The ‘little’ she recalled was that her granddaughter “...get rape by some policeman fella.”

October 19th, 2020 Sylvan Sylvester Thorne was found not guilty of rape after 13 years. The change in a person’s life over a decade for a crime they did not commit is punishment which cannot be reconciled.

The case that put the icing on the cake was October 12 where A rat and termite infestation in a police station’s Exhibits Room resulted in the disposal of evidence relating to a rape case. This in turn led to the case (from January 2007) being thrown out due to lack of evidence.

How can we expect our women to feel comfortable reporting a rape? WIth the chance of being publicly ridiculed or having your name tarnished and possibly needing to fight to prove your credibility. And like the previously mentioned cases, running the risk of being failed by the legal system. Priority needs to be placed on rape cases, since time is of the essence. Time for the victim to heal psychologically, time for the evidence to remain relevant, time for a thorough investigation and time for a fair trial.

Women we need to join with our sisters internationally and give voice for change. We have seen local movements such as ‘life in leggings’ gain recognition from the Queen. Let’s create a united platform in the Caribbean and to stand up for women rights, so as a unified voice we can eradicate this ‘rape culture’.