Minister welcomes plans to raise Age of Consent

MINISTER OF FAMILY, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Labour, Laverne Gibson-Velox, has commended the government’s commitment to increasing the age of consent in the St Vincent and the Grenadines from 15 years to 18 years of age. Legislation is to be taken to parliament to enable this change.

Gibson-Velox said in Parliament, “ If you can’t vote, and you can’t pay NIS, you’re not ready for adult activity or child bearing”.

“Your education and your values are more important at this stage,” the minister added, as she addressed matters affecting children and families across the country during her contribution to the 2026 National Budget debate.

Minister Gibson-Velox linked the proposed legislative change to broader efforts aimed at safeguarding young people and promoting education and personal development.

Click here to subscribe to read the full article in the E-paper!