PM urges focus on Child Protection Bill safeguards

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on the public to disregard “baseless criticism” of the Child Protection Bill and instead concentrate on the safeguards it aims to provide for minors.

Speaking as the House of Assembly continued debate on the report of the Joint Select Committee on the Social Sector and the Environment on the Bill, Mottley said that while her administration welcomes honest discourse on important issues, many vocal critics have sought to “muddy the waters” on the core issues the legislation seeks to address.

“This country needs mature behaviour from adults that sets examples, and we need genuine engagement to improve our democracy,” she said. “We need constructive criticism to enhance our legislation. That is why we go and listen to all these people in all these environments, because this government does not believe that it is either omnipotent or omniscient.”

Mottley noted that as prime minister, she has reduced the powers of her office, no longer solely choosing judges or the Head of State, with such decisions now subjected to public consultation. 

“Institutions have a responsibility, particularly when we are dealing with vulnerable groups, and in this instance, there is no more vulnerable group than our children,” she declared.

“I do not understand how anybody, who looks at the provisions of this Bill, can begin to believe that a Bill that seeks to do nothing more than amplify the rights of children, amplify the rights of children, but protects and allows for an early intervention, how this can be in any way inappropriate?”

The prime minister emphasised that the new law attempts to modernise protections available to children. Given the new ways some children have been exploited, she said steps are needed to strengthen the powers of the Child Care Board and other agencies.

“I hope that when we come to the Child Justice Bill and Child Protection Bill – because this is one report – that we will see that what we are doing to course correct a framework that is more than a century old, is absolutely critical if we are to stem the decay and reduce the number of cases of those who regrettably are at the centre of being victims before they have the ability to be an adult in this country.”

Mottley urged working towards reducing the 650 reports of child abuse received yearly by providing education and coaching and allowing people to reach out for help when under stress, before situations escalate. 

(SB)