Tighten up on sex offenders

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WRITE in response to your article 'Sex crackdown' on July 16. Before I elaborate on the topic, I would like to speak well of Superintendent Mervin McNabb, officer in charge of the St Thomas police division, for his effort in trying to minimise the high rate of carnal abuse in the parish. As chief, he is also trying to reduce other crimes and bridge the gap between the citizens and the police in his division. As stated by the commanding officer, "one of our biggest problems in the parish is carnal abuse". To me, there are many factors why the parish has such a high rate of abuse.

It is no secret that St Thomas is suffering from a variety of shortcomings, some of which are contributing to the high rate of carnal abuse. These include improper parenting, poverty, illiteracy, lack of information, single parenting, greed among some young girls, irresponsible adult males, and an ineffective justice system that refuse to hand down harsh punishment to the perpetrators.

Why give them bail?

According to police report, "Since the start of the year, there are 39 cases of carnal abuse." I am of the opinion that most of the perpetrators are out on bail. And I am aware of several men who are at present reporting to the police due to the fact that they are charged with such an offence.

Why should an individual be given bail so that he can molest another victim? The chief cop stated that, "We (the police) have been trying everything to reduce incidents of carnal abuse." While raiding the dances to remove these kids might be good, it serves no purpose when the proprietor or the promoter, or even the parents, are not arrested.

While the Child Care and Protection Act places a responsibility on all adults to report to the police any incident of child abuse, some adults may, while several others are contributing to the act in number of ways. Imagine a mother who allows her daughter to date a man in order to pay the rent or to send her to school.

The police can do so much, but it is the responsibility of every parent to ensure that children are protected. Nonetheless, I am of the opinion that the justice system is too far lenient on those individuals who sexually abuse children. There should be harsh punishment for the offenders, and it would send a strong signal to other would-be perpetrators.

I am, etc.,

Charlie Brown

St Thomas