Tonight, a criminal case for child abuse is forming against Belmopan worship leader, and well known motivational speaker and gospel singer, Mervin Budram,
Since last Thursday when the first testimony emerged from Rebecca Stirm via Social media platforms, and gained momentum from there with other victims coming forward, there hadn't been any statement from the Evangelical circle or Stirm's father, Scott who is the second vice president of the National Evangelical Association of Belize.
That changed over the weekend after the Jubilee Ministries released a statement in the wee hours of this morning. We looked at the release, in addition to the claims of yet another female who says she too was a victim, betrayed by Budram. Jomarie Lanza reports.
The leadership team of the Jubilee Ministries broke its silence this morning after a stream of new accusations emerged against their former "Worship Leader" Mervin Budram.
Rebecca Stirm Lennan who was the first to come out with her testament posted over the weekend, quote: "After sharing with my family, My sister shared with me a very vivid memory she had of walking into my parents kitchen and finding Mervin with his hands down our foster sister's shirt. I reach out to her (our foster sister) and she confirmed this, and that Mervin did this to her on numerous occasions."
Her father Scott Stirm then posted " As Rebbecca's parents and as church leaders we firmly condemn all forms of abuse. There is no justification or excuse for the actions of the perpetrator. Our church has and will continue to extend our support to all victims and offer to provide private counseling"
Another female emerged with what may be the 7th accusation against Budram, claiming, quote "I was assaulted by Mervin Budram at my home in Belmopan in 2001. We had prayed together earlier that evening as we spoke of my current situation and my desire to not have those types of relationships. He knew I was vulnerable. He knew I wouldn't tell because no one would believe me."
Under the weight of all these accusations. The Jubilee ministries, which Budram was a vocal and visible part of, detailed in its statement that "When we became aware of the incident involving our Pastor's daughter, Rebecca Stirm Lennan, we immediately launched an investigation and conducted meetings with Mervin Budram. Our investigation led to additional exposures. He was immediately removed from all leadership and ministry roles...We began contacting relevant leaders, ministries and individuals related to Mervin, as well as reaching out to victims….Police reports have been filed, and it is our understanding that the reports are now with the DPP."
But, tonight, the pressing question is, how many additional exposures? How many victims? Days to tell will provide answers in what is turning out to be a watershed moment for the Christian faith in Belize.
We again reached out to Mervin Budram for comment, but up to news time, got no response.
The Commissioner Of Police today confirmed that criminal complaints have been made and the file is with the DPP. The DPP told us she has received 2 complaints of indecent assault - and that she will be meeting with the complainants to discuss the way forward.
