Minister for Justice Rayburn Blackmoore says government is looking at the need to amend certain aspects of the Sexual Offences Act in Dominica.
Blackmoore, who was speaking to the state-owned DBS Radio, said child sex offenders will be given harsher punishments.
“Based on the advice that I have seen, we shall be looking at the need to amend certain aspects of our laws as it pertains to sexual offenses, so that we can deal with those persons once and for all,” he stated.
He was particularly tough on those who sexually abused minors saying they have “to carry a stamp on their foreheads forever for destroying young minds.”
Blackmoore expressed grave concern over the number of sexual offenses against minors presented at the High Court recently.
“Based on the advice that I have got and what I have seen in our last set of cases at the High Court, is the number of sexual offenses. Of greater concern to me is what they call ‘unlawful carnal knowledge’ and I do not believe that it is right to interfere with a minor either a male or female and that ought to be stop,” he stressed.
Blackmoore mentioned that there is need for societal response on the matter in the homes, in the schools, churches, the communities, “so the state can play its part.”
He stated that tackling such an issue is going to be hard.
“It’s going to be a lot of hard work … there is going to be the need also to have public educational programs to ensure that persons honor their responsibility as parents, as neighbors and community members,” Blackmoore said.
Finally someone heard the cry
Omg Good plan but if so 75% of Dominican men should wear a stamp on the forehead .
Citizens of Dominica and others living on the island …
Dominicans living in the diaspora …
Future tourists …
Those who visit the island for political, business or professional reasons …
will all be happy for Minister Blackmoore’s announcement!
It is likely to reduce the number of sex crimes against children. And has already been said it will encourage children who have been violated and others knowing of child abuse to speak out if they know the offenders have been put away.
It is discouraging for police when they work hard to get a conviction and the offender gets off or does not receive a suitable sentence. It happens in Canada not only with sex crimes but with other types of offences. This is an opportunity to improve the situation in Dominica in regard to sexual child abuse. It will encourage better policing.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
(Former Licensed Private Investigator. Province of Ontario. License number 142306).
The government can turn the problem of sexual child abuse around if they have the WILL to do so.
Other things that could be done is to:
Make a law that anybody knowing of a case of sexual child abuse MUST report it to the police or be charged themselves if they are found out and make this law KNOWN nation wide.
Establish a sex crimes registry especially for the benefit of potential employers.
Make it mandatory that police MUST lay charges when it appears they have a case AND that such charges MUST be tried in court. Excuse me for bringing this up but I have read again and again on DNO that this is NOT being done!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
(Former Licensed Private Investigator. Province of Ontario. License number 142306)
I totally agree but parents must learn to do their jobs in taking care of and protecting their children. The way some of the young girls are being dressed today is attracting a lot of attention from predators. Make up, samsung and high heels at 13 smh. They don’t even know who their friends are, who they are texting or sending pictures to. Not to mention the extremely short and inappropriate clothing which is supposed to be in style. Tasha p said it, let the children be children. Some parents allowing their children to grow up to fast. They are all around in parties and clubs drinking, smoking, basically doing what they want and acting grown. Parents need to do more. Stop going out to parties and leaving your children anywhere or with whoever. Remember your best friend can be your worst enemy. As for the grown men out there, learn to see ppl children and leave them alone. They are the future, stop spoiling their lives.
Is about time!!!!! We need to protect our children.
This is long overdue. I will be looking at how tough tough will be.
There is nothing to agree and disagree this has to be done. quick RESPONSE AT THE COURTS. WHEN THE CHILDREN know they are safely put away then they will reveal everything. Parents beware for, there is something called perjury.It is every body’s duties
Alleluia!! That’s the tough talk we want to hear followed by ACTION!!! The children’s lives are ruined forever by being robbed of their innocence and childhood. The perpetrators MUST pay the price!!! Go for it and THANK YOU!!!
Minister for Justice Rayburn Blackmoore is acting in the best interest of his nation.
Citizens have waited a long time and it seems they have been disappointed in the past. So much so that many have simply given up hope. This is why there has not been a greater response on DNO.
Once the people see that Minister Blackmoore means business the response will be overwhelming. There is reason to believe that this man is about to turn things around.
Rejoice
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Ofcourse!!! So no more of that touching people children and getting three months and doing community service.
Boss is onetime i agree with you.
Who to talk they not talking!