National Security and Justice Minister; Rayburn Blackmoore has said he is unaware of a petition launched two years ago to raise the age of consent in Dominica from 16 to 18.
In January 2013, advocate against child abuse, Delia Cuffy- Weekes, started a petition on the matter and it was handed to Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, in November 2013.
That petition was launched following the circulation of a series of explicit videos via the social media involving underage girls in Dominica.
Blackmoore, who was speaking at the second Town Hall meeting of the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)’s Coalition for the Protection of Children and Youth, held at the Prevo Cinemall conference room on Wednesday, said the petition will not be considered at present.
“If I see a cogent case for giving currency to what you have said, that is something we can explore, but if I were to come here and say to you is something that we will consider now I will not be talking the truth,” he stated. “So I am saying we have not gone to that point but I am looking forward to see the case brought forward with facts.”
Blackmoore revealed that he have heard public statements being made in that regard but, “I have not seen anything in writing sent to my ministry thus far.”
He added, “What are we hoping to achieve if we were to bring down the age of consent or bring it up to 18, I am not sure because in some countries I mean, even 17 years with parental consent you can get married.”
Meantime; Cuffy- Weekes, the woman who brought forth the idea of the petition has expressed disappointment at the statement made by Minister Blackmoore.
In an interview with the media she said, “I am disappointed that almost a year and a half after that has happened that cabinet has not even been informed about a petition of that magnitude,” she noted. “It is rather surprising that the honorable Blackmoore, Minister for National Security does not know anything about the petition that was launched in January of 2013 and handed in to the Prime Minister on the 25th of November 2013.”
Cuffy-Weekes stated that if she was just an ordinary citizen listening to Mr. Blackmoore, “ I would think maybe the petition did not reach the Prime Minister.”
She said however, “ My name is Delia Cuffy- Weekes and I am the person who initiated the petition, I am the person who made the appointment to speak to the Prime Minister, I am the person who on the 25th of November 2013 in the presence of Mr. Emmanuel Nantan handed in the petition to the Prime Minister and had a discussion with him about the content of the petition and the Prime Minister told me at that time that, that was not a decision that he would make on his own, but he would take it to cabinet so that, that could be discussed.”
She also expressed disappointed since its, “almost a year and a half after that has happened that cabinet has not even been informed about a petition of that magnitude.”
She explained further that presently the NGO Coalition is meeting with stakeholders and is speaking about having a sexual offender’s list, “that too is included in the petition and it is just sad that the petition was handed in on the 25th of November 2013 and today the 10th of June 2015, at least one minister has not seen or heard of it. I wonder if we were to poll the other ministers, what has happened since then?”
The NGO Coalition is staging a series of Town Hall meeting seeking to raise awareness of the matter in Dominica.
The first meeting was held on May 20th at the Dominica Public Service Union Building in Roseau.
all this confusion is the manifestation of the leader skerrit damnation cursed words no law and no constitution it is a spell
Just goes to show what our government’s priorities are in this country. Child abuse is so rampant yet after so long, such a touching issue has not been addressed or considered. Keep fighting for the innocent Mrs Cuffy Weekes.
I don’t blame the man. If the PM did not mention or pass the petition then how is he meant to know about it? In Dominica we are stuck in the dark ages as well. What happened to sending an email to all cabinet members with delivery requests? Cannot say you did not get an email and a record is automatically created. We need to catch up. Anyway, I hope the matter get discussed because I second the notion.
that is to show DOM-IN-CANS how these guys don’t have time for the work of the people then to mind and talk about UWP every time they open there month. and to keep there people down that good for all of them
This is not an Issue that would be high on this Regime’s Agenda. What comes to mind is this Administration Obsession with Malaysia. A country where ‘Child Bride’ is common place. Blackmoor has even hinted to bringing down the age of consent! Now this would fit perfectly into their Scheme of things. So all this Hogwash of not being aware of said Petition, is disingenuous on the Minister’s part.
He said himself,” if I were to come here and say that is something we would consider, now I would not be talking the TRUTH” First True Statement from the Horse’s Mouth!!!!
It is obvious the petition was stopped dead in its tracks by somebody in the government and it did not get any further.
Why should there be an age of consent?
Imagine if … … …
An older male has sex with a girl in her early teens. The girl consented. If there is an age of consent the authorities can say “This girl is not old enough to consent”. Her consent meant nothing. This means what the man did was rape that child. The age of consent law gives the police the “tool” they need to charge the man. It does not eliminate the abuse entirely but it does mean it happens less often. It also makes it possible to hold the man responsible for his actions.
By raising the age of consent you provide protection for more girls. Less teenagers pregnant and dropping out of school. More girls finishing their education. Less sexually transmitted disease. Less forced marriages. More proud parents. Less divorces later.
A better nation
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill…
Reverend Hill you need to get some facts straight. The statistics show that the avewrage age at which a female person in Dominica has her first child is 28. Teenage pregnancyt has ceased being a problem in Dominica some 20 years or sop ago. We even won an award for eliminating teenage pregnancy! We also should not mix apples with oranges. Teenage pregnancy and child molestation are two very different things.
This is a disgrace. Really mr blackmoore? Really? I am not saying this is necessary because kids will have sex regardless however this petition was too highly publicized for the minister to not know about it. Is he living in a bubble?
If it was made known that the age of consent had been lowered it could contribute to a decrease in sexual activity among the under aged. But mainly it would stop some (not all) older men from taking advantage of younger girls.
There are a significant number of men in their early 20s “dating” under age girls between 14 and 18 years. Some are buying their favors with gifts, money, and promises of “help” with their education costs. Some of these relationships have already produced offspring.
According to DNO the majority of people polled want the age of consent raised.
Many also want an online sex offenders registry. According to DNO they want it with the pictures of the offenders
I expect they would like it to be kept updated with the addresses of the offenders.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
“If it was made known that the age of consent had been lowered …”
This should read “… had been raised…”
Sorry!
Sincerely, Donald Hill.
There are a number of things that might have happened. The problem could be a combination of things beginning with:
Somebody making an honest mistake.
Or somebody lying.
The fact is the government has known for years that certain things needed to be done and did nothing. They are not going to move quickly now to please a non government organization.
Cuffy-Weeks and members of the NGO Coalition please don’t be discouraged. You are in a battle for the lives and souls of children and young people, and the vey future of your nation.
By now you must realize that you are being opposed by a Satanic and sinister force ”For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, …” (Ephesians 6:12-13)
You have God on your side and your victory is sure.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, International Evangelist.
Raising the age of consent is not gonna solve anything. It will not stop rape and it will not cause govt to investigate underage pregnancy. When the police can handle crimes against women and prosecute individuals for underage pregnancy (under 16) , then I will support a petition to upgrade the age of consent. Until them lets not waste time on the minority issue and focus on the heart of things. .
Here is a situation. 10 underage pregnancy law does nothing. Statistics shows 10 underage pregnancies. Let’s now say u have 10 pregnancies same time 16-18 . if you raise the age concent without nipping it in the bud. Statistics will show 20 underage . what is govt doing to fix that.
Raising the age of consent won’t fix it. It will only make it worst.
you can see your one of them that’s just why you call your self white rabbit I don’t think you fit for our Dominica go find Rabbits like your self at the same time stay away from my 15 year old because it wont be nice for you mr Rabbit
Ask yourself a question why the petition has not been discussed.
Remember folks that it was the UWP government that rolled back the age of consent from 18 to 16. Action must be taken quickly to restore it back to 18.
The age of consent has never been 18. It was in fact 14 until the UWP increased it to 16. Do not be so quick to apportion blame unless you are sure you have the facts.
you maybe right but you can also say under the UWP people were much more independent not that dependent on there government like this one
Next time Delia give the petition to Mamie or Karmala and or make an appointment to talk to korkom or crazy T
Is Blackmoore for real this is a minister that have to go back to the drawing board
What is the point of changing the age of consent? Just being outraged isn’t a good reason.
Hmmmm. All these things make you wonder if we’re really serious about addressing this scurge on our country or are just giving lip service.
Ms.Weekes these guys are least worried about our young children being molested,once they get the passport monies they are selling all over the world to terrorist.Blackmoore cant speak unless Skerrit give him permission too.
The issue about the age of consent is that currently, people who are legally minors ( ie under 18) ,who are unable to vote, to drive or to marry without parental consent, can legally consent to sexual intercourse and procreate. Producing children whilst they themselves are children and whilst they are unable to provide for said children emotionally or financially.
If the age of consent were to be raised then those having sex with minors would all be liable for prosecution and some would restrain themselves from teenage sexual activity, to avoid the adult being prosecuted. A reduction in teenage pregnancy would mean that DOminicas children would have a better chance of being wanted, planned and provided for consistently.
Mrs Weeke’s petition submitted in November 2013 may not have reached the Minister of Justice simply because as there was no such Ministry at the time. Raising the age of consent is not part of the Coalition’s call to action at this time. There is more work to be done before there is consensus on the issue. The MInister’s response that he would need to have compelling evidence that criminalising sex with 16 -18 year olds is really the way to go to keep children safer is reasonable . That petition was part of the very important ground work that has resulted in the swelling public indignation that is confronting sexual abusers in our midst and saying “ZERO TOLERANCE”.
But ,Tina, that petition was to have been submitted to Cabinet. The Prime Minister promised that much. Rayburn Blackmoore has been a member of Cabinet since February 2000, uninterrupted. Now, it is almost 2 years and the petition has not been even hinted at Cabinet meetings?
Tina, how do you justify a member of cabinet saying that he is unaware of a matter of national concern? Was the petition launched in secret? Does the minister live outside of Dominica? What this shows is a total lack of respect for the people of Dominica by this skerritt kabal. The intention of handing the petition to skerritt, with much fanfare was so that the cabinet of ministers, of which Blackmore was a member, would discuss it. In case you may want to suggest that he may not have been presented at the time the petition was presented to cabinet, if it was, then it is his responsibility to inform himself of matters which were raised ther in his absence.
I am prepared to say that no other minister is aware of the pitition either and that a traw of the minutes of cabinet will not show that the matter was discussed.
Thank you for your common sense.
Between being able to VOTE and DRIVE and being able to BRING ANOTHER HUMAN LIFE into the world there is a big difference
Sex is so integrated into our total lives it influences all that we are and do. For this reason God has placed a hedge around it. A wise government will realize this and put reasonable boundaries in place for the well being of society. Those who do not will have a nation in decline with problems out of control and do a grave injustice to coming generations.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. international Evangelist.
.
Thank you Delia Cuffy-Weekes. Thank you!
Duffy-Weeks you are standing in the gap in the battle against the greatest evil of the 21 century.
It is obvious some people
think they can ignore you because you are a woman. But you are a woman of valor and God is in your corner. If you will be faithful and fight the good fight for your people God will honor you and history will celebrate you.
“This mountain shall be removed by my Spirit says the Lord.” (A prophetical Word.)
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
That should have been Cuffy-Weeks not Duffy-Weeks.
Sincerely,
Donald Hill.