[xml][/xml]
The Bahamas Weekly Facebook The Bahamas Weekly Twitter
Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


DNA: Protect Our Children NOW
By Prodesta Moore
Jun 22, 2016 - 2:32:40 PM

Email this article
 Mobile friendly page
More than 4 years since the tragic passing of 11 year old Marco Archer, and more than three years since the law named in honor of his life was brought before Parliament, the government has yet to enact this key piece of legislation. In fact the law, once touted as a priority for National Security Minister has seemingly fallen off his radar altogether.

Back in 2013, Parliamentarians began debate on amendments to the Sexual Offenses Act and the Child Protection Act which would respectively create a sexual offenders register and a MARCO alert for missing children. The proposed legislation which received widespread parliamentary and public support was accompanied by regulations which would dictate which cases warrant the activation of a MARCO Alert. Under the law, the Commissioner of Police will be required to use the MARCO alert if a child is reported missing and authorities are satisfied that there is a risk of harm or death. Once the alert is issued, radio stations, television broadcasts, text message, electronic network system, billboards and other means necessary will be used for dissemination. Sadly, as with countless issues on its legislative agenda, the government has failed to follow through.

While the government continues to drag its feet on the creation of a sex offenders’ registry, the assault and abuse of our young boys and girls continues to occur at an astronomical rate. According to a recent report which focused on gender based violence, the abuse of children – physical, emotional and sexual – has become a cultural norm in the Bahamas, particularly in smaller family island communities. More than two thousand cases of child abuse were reported between 2010 and 2014 and officials estimate that number to be even higher due to the prevailing culture of secrecy and underreporting.

As a still developing country the protection of our women and children is critical. And as a collective body we must demand that our legislators and political leaders take that responsibility seriously.

Barring its immediate enactment, this Christie government and in particular the Minister of National security must be made to explain the delays in doing so. THE TIME TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN IS ALWAYS RIGHT NOW! And this government must do whatever is necessary to make that happen.

Prodesta Moore

DNA Candidate, Elizabeth

DNA Spokesperson for Social Services


Bookmark and Share




© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com

Top of Page

Receive our Top Stories



Preview | Powered by CommandBlast

Bahamian Politics
Latest Headlines
DNA PR: It's time to change the system
DNA on Extension of Emergency Orders
DNA on shanty town demolition court order
DNA on new lockdowns on Family Islands
PLP Candidate for North Andros and The Berry Islands on Lockdowns in The Berry Islands and Andros