Young girls giving birth ‘Is far too frequent’ says MP Daniel Cummings

Opposition Parliamentarian, Daniel Cummings has called on the government to “put mechanisms in place that can really address the vexing issue of sexual offences” in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cummings made the call on Thursday April 4,2024, during his contribution to debate in Parliament on an amendment to the sexual offences laws.

The amendments which were passed allow for stiffer penalties to be meted out to persons convicted of sex crimes in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Cummings, who is the Member of Parliament for the constituency of West Kingstown, expressed concern about sex crimes committed on under-aged girls.

“For me as a man, as a parent, the number of occurrences in this country, of young girls going to the hospital and delivering children…is far too frequent.”

He added that in most of these cases, the persons who impregnated the little girls are not held accountable. Cummings recommended that where an underage girl gets pregnant and delivers a baby, “that child must become a ward of the state of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Additionally, he is also suggesting that members of the girls’ household be subject to DNA testing, where there is reasonable ground of suspicion in that home.

Cummings pointed out that if the DNA tests confirm that there is a connection between the suspect and the child; then “that individual must be charged for the crime”.

In the circumstances, Cummings said that “the state should provide for the welfare of mother and child.”

Where possible, he said the state should also ensure that the father is also a major contributor to the welfare of that child.

He also called for the state to seize assets belonging to the father, “if he is of means” so that the mother and child will benefit.

The opposition MP said his recommendations were “made after very careful consideration.”

“I do believe that in our society, we need to send the right signal to act as a deterrent,” he submitted.

Recent reports indicate that a 10 year old girl gave birth at hospital.

A SEARCHLIGHT article reported that this matter was highlighted at the 28th Perinatal Conference during which OBGYN, Dr Sherina Slater presented data on pregnancies recorded among girls aged 10-14 years of age for a specific period.

Additionally, it was revealed that a total of 191 teens gave birth in 2023.

The Bill which was passed on Thursday amends Chapter 171 of the Criminal Code of the Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Under this amended law, a person convicted for having sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 15, can now face a maximum of 15 years in jail.