By| Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) is demanding a high-level investigation into the death of Aleena Preetam, a 14-year-old mother who was found dead at her home just one month after giving birth. At the party’s weekly press conference on Tuesday, executive member Shaneika Haynes raised sharp questions regarding the apparent failure of the state’s child protection and welfare mechanisms.
Preetam, a former student of Abram Zuil Secondary School, was discovered motionless at her Good Hope, Essequibo home on Monday morning. The alarm was raised only after her infant was heard crying for an extended period.
“Where was the Welfare Department?”
Haynes expressed disbelief that a minor under the age of 16 could navigate a pregnancy and childbirth without triggering sustained intervention from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
- Institutional Failure: Haynes argued that the moment a 14-year-old presents as pregnant at any public health facility, child protection protocols should be initiated immediately.
- Statutory Rape Concerns: Under Guyanese law, the age of consent is 16. Haynes questioned whether the welfare department or police had identified or taken action against the person responsible for the pregnancy.
- Post-Birth Monitoring: The PNC/R executive questioned why there was seemingly no institutional monitoring of the teen and her infant in the weeks following her delivery, particularly given her vulnerable status as a minor.
A “Dangerous Trend”: Competence vs. Credentials
The case has sparked broader criticism of the current administration of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA).
- The Expert View: Retired Chief Probation and Welfare Officer Ann Greene, speaking to the media, described a “dangerous trend” where individuals are reportedly promoted based on academic credentials rather than field competence.
- The Impact: Greene suggested that the lack of experienced, competent professionals at the helm of child protection services is directly failing Guyana’s most vulnerable children.
Medical Findings & Police Investigation
A post-mortem examination has provided initial insight into the cause of death, though legal questions remain.
- Cause of Death: The exam determined that Aleena Preetam died from heart failure and anaemia.
- Timeline of Discovery: Relatives last saw the teen alive on Sunday evening. When her baby’s crying persisted on Monday morning, they checked her room and found her unresponsive. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
- No Violence: Police confirmed that no marks of physical violence were observed on the body.
- Police Statement: The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that investigations are active and will address all relevant offenses under the law, including the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy as a minor.
The Role of the Ministry
The Ministry of Human Services has faced increasing scrutiny over its “wrap-around” services for teen mothers. Critics are calling for a public report on:
- When the CCPA first became aware of Preetam’s pregnancy.
- What support or housing was offered to the minor.
- Why a high-risk medical case (a 14-year-old with anaemia) was not under closer health and social welfare supervision.
