A New Amsterdam, Berbice woman is trying to get justice and help at the same time for her 7 and 9-year-old children who were allegedly tortured by a caretaker. Teresa Rodrigues said some weeks ago, she left her two kids with the woman and ventured into the interior to work. The mother said she was paying the woman $40,000 per month to care for the children, but things took a turn for the worse days later. The caretaker allegedly tortured the children after a tablet, a gold bangle, and chain went missing.
The 9-year old boy said he was beaten, tortured and placed in a dog pen. The boy admitted that he removed the items and placed them under a monkey apple tree, but when he went back to the location the items could not be found. His younger sister also had some painful experience at the same time. In the presence of their mother, both of the children spoke of their abuse.
The matter is engaging the attention of the court, but the woman said she decided to face the press after she observed some unusual changes in her son’s behaviour.
Rodrigues said from time to time the boy will talk about what had happened to him and give more details surrounding the incident. He never revealed the full extent of his abuse to the police because he is fearful.
The woman said she immediately went back to the police, who took further statements.
The woman said she is leaving nothing to chance and took the children to the Childcare and protection agency in the city to relate their story.
Berbice Commander Ian Amsterdam said two persons are before the court, but not for the abuse of children, as it is now being claimed. The commander also said that the children did not complain about the abuse, just an adult associated with them.
Rodriques has since brought the matter to the attention of the childcare and protection agency and is also getting legal advice on the matter.