The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) has issued a forceful condemnation of the recent public sexual assault of a young woman at Raghoo Bar in Soesdyke, calling the act “sickening” and a reflection of a dangerous moral decay in Guyanese society. The 20-year-old woman, who was seen being sexually assaulted in a viral video at a bar in full view of patrons, has told the Police she was drugged and raped.
In a strongly worded statement, the party described the assault as a brazen public crime, carried out in full view of patrons who did nothing to intervene and instead recorded the incident on their phones.
FGM condemned not just the perpetrators, but also the spectators, saying:
“They were gleeful spectators titillated by the defilement of a fellow human being, who could well have been their sibling, daughter, friend, or family member.”
The party described the inaction of those present as a deeply disturbing reflection of a societal breakdown, where the dehumanisation of women and children is increasingly normalised. It warned that this erosion of basic decency, if left unaddressed, risks tearing at the fabric of the nation.
FGM further placed blame on the proprietor, management, and staff of Raghoo Bar, stating they were not only aware of the incident but also allowed the establishment to become a crime scene. Their failure to act, the party said, rendered them complicit in the assault.
“They took no action and allowed the establishment to become the scene of a crime. Forward Guyana Movement expects the full weight of legal options available to the issuers of licenses covering the premises will be examined and utilised.”
The statement also calls for accountability from the patrons who failed to intervene:
“Each of the patrons who was present and failed to act has shown Guyana and the world what kind of person he is — never to be entrusted with responsibility for the care of women, minors, or vulnerable persons… They are just as guilty as the rapists, and equally a stain on the name and reputation of our country.”
FGM demanded an immediate and thorough investigation by the Guyana Police Force, calling for the prosecution of all involved — perpetrators, enablers, and bystanders alike.
The party expressed deep sympathy for the victim, stating,
“Our thoughts at this time are with the victim, whose only mistake was trusting the wrong people.”
More broadly, FGM urged the government, civil society, religious leaders, educators, professional bodies, and parents to confront the crisis of violence and apathy facing Guyana. The statement warns that without unified, decisive action, “our nation risks falling even further in the quality of life meant to be enjoyed by each and every one of us, regardless of our station in life.”
Forward Guyana Movement reaffirmed its commitment to building a society where justice, dignity, and respect for human life are non-negotiable.
