PM Barrow Reveals Identity of Allegedly Abused Minors

Dolores Balderamos

The protection of minor’s identity in sensitive cases, such as molestation and rape, has long been priority for agencies concerned about the rights of children. In the recent, highly publicized case of Orange Walk East area representative, Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez, the identity of the minors has not been disclosed in reporting. But on Wednesday, in the height of the nomination day fever, Prime Minister Dean Barrow revealed information on the minors in Doctor Mendez’s case. It did not go unnoticed since his wife, Kim Simplis-Barrow, a few days ago issued a release underlining the importance of protecting minors.  The People’s United Party today chastised the PM for his statement.  Dolores Balderamos Garcia says that the PM’s action was irresponsible.

Dolores Balderamos, Area Rep., Belize Rural Central

“We believe that statement to the media yesterday was irresponsible. In sensitive cases, one should never identify a relationship, let alone a name, but even if you identify a relationship that is something that can lead readily to the identification of fathers, children, aunties, uncles and like that. So, we believe that he ought not to have done that. Had he checked, had he bothered to check with his wife, the Special Envoy for Children, I believe that she and her advisers would have said to him that this is not something that is done. It is unethical to reveal relationships; familial relationships than can lead to the identification of who is involved. The Special Envoy, and we all agree, was very careful to call for extreme sensitivity on this matter and so we believe it ought not to have been done. Now, you might say to yourself that people will know anyway because Belize is small, but as you would say in Creole, ‘matters be’ people might know but it is not for the media, public officials or anyone in a position of public authority to be saying so and so is that one auntie and so and so is than one uncle. So, we believe it went too far and it is unethical.”

Andrea Polanco

“What impact will this have on the children?”

Dolores Balderamos

“Well, I believe it is a negative impact because clearly if we are going to take the position that you should not be identifying a specific family relationship, then really what you are talking about is that you are exposing the children to unnecessary spotlight and unnecessary scrutiny, that, really all of us, and this is not politics whatsoever, but everyone who has made comment on it has said that you have to think about the family involved; you have to think about the children involved. As far as I am aware, no one else, before now, had identified that very specific relationship and it ought not to have been done.”