Human Services Minister slams court’s leniency in Leguan Domestic Violence caseDr. Vindhya Persaud
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has voiced strong disappointment over what she described as a “lenient” approach by the judiciary in handling the domestic violence case in Leguan, where a woman was allegedly brutally assaulted by her partner.
Speaking following the arraignment of 26-year-old Orwin Rankin, a speedboat captain charged with unlawful wounding, Minister Persaud said she was “deeply troubled” by the court’s decision to grant bail in the sum of $40,000 and to allow the accused weekend custody of a child believed to have witnessed the violent incident.
“I wish to record my disappointment and concern at the seemingly lenient approach adopted by the courts, as recent as today. The case involving Selena Sookram, who has been the subject of constant, violent abuse at the hands of her partner, is a case in point,” she said.
“This is a woman whose bloody and battered face has been seen by the public. She is a survivor, and now, the man she accused is free on a paltry bail and still has access to the child. It is a travesty.”
Rankin appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Wakenaam Magistrate’s Court, where the charge of unlawful wounding was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. The case has been transferred to the Leguan Magistrate’s Court for continuation on May 29.
The Minister said the outcome of the arraignment sends a worrying message about how seriously the system takes cases of gender-based violence, especially under the newly enacted Family Violence Act of 2024.
“When our Government passed that legislation, it was with the hope that the tougher measures it introduced would protect survivors and deter perpetrators. Yet, in this case, it’s clear that the law is not being applied as intended.”
She noted that the Ministry of Human Services continues to provide survivors with safe housing, counselling, economic support, and assistance through its partnerships with the Guyana Police Force and other agencies. However, she emphasised that those efforts cannot stand alone.
“How can we keep survivors safe when decisions from the bench do not reflect the urgency or gravity of the abuse faced by so many women?” she asked. “We intervene sometimes to literally save lives, but then we see those lives put back in harm’s way.”
The case gained public attention after Sookram’s mother, Sharmilla Dhanraj, took to Facebook to plead for help, sharing disturbing details and photos of her daughter’s injuries. The post sparked a wave of outrage and concern across the country.
Police confirmed that Rankin was arrested on Tuesday and has been assisting with the investigation.
Minister Persaud concluded by calling on all arms of the state to act in the interest of justice and survivor protection.
“It’s not enough for only some of us to do our part. I urge all relevant state agencies to discharge their duties with the seriousness these cases deserve. Survivors are watching. So is the nation.”
