Our women are not fruits to be picked – ACP Bailey

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of crime, Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey has made a passionate plea for an end to sexual violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

“Leave our young ladies alone,” ACP Bailey echoed as he addressed a rally against sexual violence rally in Georgetown on Friday January 26.

The rally was held in the parking lot of the police station at long Church Street in Georgetown and was preceded by a march along commercial Road, by students and other interest groups in the community.

In his address at the rally, ACP bailey made it clear that our women are not fruits “ to be fondled and to be picked and to be touched, at the whims and fancies of anyone.”

The senior cop called on members of society to say no to sexual assault and rape.

“Our young girls must be allowed to live their youthful life as a child, and experience all the different changes that children go through, up to adulthood.”

He said that young boys must be similarly protected from sexual crimes.

For persons who may have been sexually violated in the past, and are fearful about reporting the crime, ACP Bailey is urging them to do so.

He noted that there is no statute of limitation relating to the reporting of such crimes.

“If you were sexually assaulted five years ago, there is nothing that prevents you from coming forward today, and making your report.”

Although that alleged incident may have taken place five years ago, ACP Bailey assured that it would be dealt with as if it happened five minutes ago.

Friday’s march and rally was organized by the Eastern Division of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force in collaboration with the National Commission on Crime Prevention and other partners.

The rally was also addressed by Acting Commissioner of Police Enville Williams, with staff nurse, Teckla Jack as the guest speaker.

The event was held under the theme “ Know your path, do your part, break the silence.”