(Excerpts of Laverne Velox’s presentation at NDP Women’s Arm Conference)
A sex offender is a person who has committed a sex crime. The majority of convicted sex offenders have convictions for crimes of a sexual nature. Some of the serious crimes which result in a mandatory sex-offender classification are sexual assault, statutory rape, child sexual abuse, buggery, incest, and rape.On December 1, 2017 the Searchlight Newspaper reported that St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) may soon have legislation that will allow names of sex offenders and perpetrators of domestic violence to be published. This was disclosed by a former Minister of Social Development, during a news conference, held on November 27, 2017 by the Ministry of National Mobilization and Social Development, to launch a 16-day campaign in SVG to end violence against women and girls.He said then that discussions were ongoing to have perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence tagged and they would be published as soon as the requisite legislation came to the fore…It’s now March, 2025. Once again, the ULP Government has failed. It has failed the victims of sexual offenses by not using the legislation to protect them against predators and abusers.The Ministry of National Mobilization and Social Development is currently headed by a woman, who in my humble opinion, should be championing the cause of victims of sex crimes and advocating strongly for a sex offenders registry. Some empathy is required from the minister then the expectation is that it will be followed by real action. Not the usual lip service talking for talking sake. The sexually abused women of SVG need to be protected…the girls of SVG need to be protected and the boys of SVG need to be protected. Children are being robbed of their childhoods and forced to grow up too quickly because some insecure men who cannot relate to adults took away their innocence. We need a Sex Offenders Registry now!I can assure you that a Dr. Godwin Friday led New Democratic Party (NDP) Government will establish a Sex Offenders Registry so our women, our girls and even our boys can be safe from sexual predators in their communities. Sometimes naming and shaming them is the way to go. Let’s not forget that sexual violence, for the victim, can result in but not be limited to: guilt, shame, self blame, embarrassment, fear, distrust, sadness, vulnerability, isolation, self loathing and suicide.The NDP is cognizant of all the ills associated with being a victim of a sexual offense and we pledge to do everything possible to eliminate or drastically decrease the incidences of this scourge in the short term. I’d also take this opportunity to laud the relentless efforts of Mrs. Nailah John-Prince to have a sex offenders registry established in SVG.Age of ConsentThe age of consent in SVG is 15 years. My personal view, which I’m confident is shared by everyone here, is that 15 years is too young for a ‘child’ to give consent to having sexual intercourse. You noticed I stressed child because at this age she should be immersed in her school books contemplating CSEC. A child of 15 years is not eligible to make NIS contributions far less indulging in adult activity which can alter her life forever. Here I refer to pregnancy/abortion and sexually transmitted diseases. At 15 years, which child is psychologically ready for motherhood? She’s not employed so there’s the possibly more hardship on poor and vulnerable families to provide for a baby.Are we paying attention to the number of 15-year-olds that go ‘missing’ ever so often? You know why? They legal! They have no consideration for their parents who are sick with worry when they go missing. The entire nation worries about them then they surface a few days later like nothing happened. That’s because they don’t know their danger. When parents don’t know where you are or who you’re with they don’t know where to look, or who’s responsible for you. The men who encourage you to run away from home don’t love you. They’re using you for their personal gratification and to satisfy their sick carnal desires.What causes this behaviour from our young girls? You’re not doing well in school. Every school aged child needs to know that the NDP has a plan for you even if you’re not academically inclined. You will have the opportunity to learn a skill so you can earn a living. Honestly. Don’t be lured by the promise of a cell phone, eyelashes or a weave… Maintain your dignity! Love yourselves. Think about your future.The incoming NDP Government under the astute leadership of Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday will review the age of consent legislation to protect our young girls from sexual violence and sexual exploitation.Sexual offences in relation to childrenChildren under fifteen years of age cannot in law give consent to sexual intercourse and a wide range of other sexual activities. They are however vulnerable to sexual violence and sexual exploitation.
It is a criminal offence for anyone to have sexual intercourse with a child who is under fifteen years of age. This is commonly known as statutory rape. It is also a criminal offence for a person to attempt to do so. There are stringent penalties for offences against children, even more so where the child is under thirteen years of age.If a parent or guardian of a child causes or encourages that child to be sexually abused, that parent or guardian commits a criminal offence and may be imprisoned for seven years. The penalty for having sexual intercourse with a girl who is under thirteen years of age is imprisonment for life. If a man or boy has sexual intercourse with a girl who is above the age of thirteen years but below the age of fifteen years, he may be imprisoned for five years.