Hinds queries timeline for child protection legislation

Independent Senator Dr Kristina Hinds has called on the Government to say when it intends to bring laws to protect children to Parliament.

She raised the question in the Upper Chamber of the House of Assembly, at a time when the Government Industrial School (GIS) is at the centre of controversy relating to abuse allegations.

Just before the sitting adjourned on Wednesday evening, the outspoken political analyst asked about the administration’s intention to introduce child protection legislation.

“Will this new Child Protection legislation repeal and replace the Juvenile Offenders Act Cap 138, and the Reformatory and Industrial Schools Act Cap 169?” she asked during her first Senate sitting since being appointed last month.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Lisa Cummins told Dr Hinds her questions would be taken to the relevant ministries and ministers to ascertain the appropriate answers.

During a press conference last Saturday, where Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced a second round of investigations into the GIS, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey said the Government was hoping to bring Child Protection and Justice Bills before Parliament by June this year.

Humphrey said the Bills will be an effort to deal with concerns at the juvenile reform institution. (AH)