Punishment after a child’s death cannot replace the protection that should have been provided during that child’s life

Dear Editor,

The tragic deaths of two innocent children in Guyana, a six-year-old boy reportedly drowned by his own father and a three-year-old child who reportedly burned to death, have left me profoundly saddened and deeply concerned about the safety of our nation’s children.

As a Consultant, Professional Social Worker, Child & Human Rights Advocate, and Commissioner of the Rights of the Child Commission, Head of the Investigative Arm. I believe these tragedies demand more than public outrage and expressions of sympathy. They require urgent, coordinated, and sustained action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

I acknowledge the call by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, for the return of the death penalty for serious crimes. While justice and accountability are essential, we must equally priorities prevention, early identification of risks, timely intervention, and stronger child protection systems. Punishment after a child’s death cannot replace the protection that should have been provided during that child’s life.

I therefore call on the Government, relevant agencies, law enforcement, child protection professionals, families, and communities to:

1. Strengthen early intervention by taking reports of suspected child abuse seriously and responding promptly to warning signs.

2. Ensure accountability through thorough investigations and appropriate legal action, while reviewing any failures in existing child protection systems.

3. Improve coordination and support among social workers, schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and child protection agencies.

4. Invest in prevention through parenting education, counselling, family support, public awareness, and adequately resourced child protection services.

Every child has the fundamental right to life, dignity, and protection from violence. Safeguarding these rights is a shared legal, professional, and moral responsibility.

We cannot restore the lives of these children, but we can honour their memory by ensuring that their deaths lead to meaningful and lasting change. I urge our national leaders and every citizen to move beyond condemnation and commit to measurable action.

Our children must never become statistics in a recurring cycle of preventable tragedies. Protecting them is not optional; it is our collective responsibility. Every warning sign matters. Every intervention matters. Every child’s life matters.

The time for decisive action is now.

Yours faithfully,

Pamela Nauth

Consultant

Court Appointed Mediator