GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — A local bar has been shut down and several individuals taken into custody following the circulation of a deeply troubling video online showing a young woman being sexually assaulted in full view of patrons.
The video, which quickly sparked public outrage, shows the young woman being assaulted by a man while others stood by, some filming the incident instead of intervening.
The situation was made worse by reports that the DJ at the venue encouraged the perpetrator’s actions with lewd remarks broadcast over the sound system.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, confirmed that she became aware of the video on Thursday night and immediately contacted the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“What I saw was horrifying, a young woman being terribly violated in a public space while people watched, recorded, and even encouraged the abuse,” Dr. Persaud stated. “This kind of behaviour must never be tolerated.”
In a coordinated response, the Ministry of Human Services has been working closely with law enforcement. The bar in question was quickly identified and shut down, and arrests have since been made.
Authorities have assured that all necessary support, including psychological and social services, will be extended to the survivor through the Ministry of Human Services.
Minister Persaud also issued a strong appeal to the public, urging people not to share the video any further. “Sharing this footage only re-victimizes the young woman. Please, let’s choose humanity over curiosity.”
She called on Guyanese to move beyond passive bystander behaviour and become active participants in preventing abuse. “We need to be better as a society. It is not enough to record and react after the fact.
We must act in the moment, step in, call for help, protect each other.” The incident has sparked broader discussions on gender-based violence, the role of bystanders, and the responsibility of establishments to ensure the safety of their patrons.
The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling such incidents head-on, promising further collaboration with law enforcement and advocacy bodies to prevent similar occurrences.The investigation remains ongoing.
