Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition, Honorable Emmalin Pierre, on behalf of the members of his Majesty’s Opposition, said the consultation on the proposed Bill to reduce the age for civil responsibility was very successful. She stated that the overwhelming consensus from participants who represented a broad cross-section of society was a firm rejection of the Bill in its current form.
The consultation, which saw vibrant and thoughtful participation from various stakeholders, concluded that the proposed legislation should not be reintroduced to Parliament. Instead, attendees strongly advocated for the strengthening of existing laws to enhance the protection of every child in need of the state’s care.
Participants at the engagement passionately called for their unified voice to be heard at the highest level of decision-making. “The people have spoken with one powerful voice, and we have listened,” said the Hon. Emmalin Pierre. “The strong and clear message from parents, young people, educators, church leaders and other community leaders is that this Bill is not the way forward. Our focus must be on reinforcing the legal framework we already have to safeguard our children.”
Opposition members are fully committed to ensuring that the powerful views expressed do not remain within the walls of the consultation room. Members pledge to be the voice of the people in Parliament, forcefully articulating the consensus that existing child protection laws must be strengthened and that the proposed bill to reduce the age of civil responsibility should not be returned to Parliament.
Members of his Majesty’s Opposition stand firm in its commitment to championing the well-being of Grenada’s children and upholding the will of the people.
