ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda — Member of Parliament for St. George and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Michael Freeland, has added his voice to calls for stronger child protection laws and tougher penalties for sexual abusers, joining Minister for Social and Urban Transformation Hon. Rawdon Turner in the push for legislative reform.
The joint call follows a recent case involving the sexual abuse of a five-year-old child, which Freeland said has reignited a critical national conversation about whether Antigua and Barbuda's existing legal framework provides sufficient deterrence against such crimes.
"Violence of any kind is unacceptable. Whether it is physical, emotional, psychological or verbal, violence leaves lasting scars on individuals, families and communities. However, sexual violence occupies a particularly grave category because of the profound and often lifelong trauma it inflicts on survivors," Freeland said.
The St. George MP stressed that sexual abuse causes damage far beyond physical harm, leaving emotional, psychological and mental wounds that can permanently shape a survivor's life, relationships and sense of security. When children are the victims, he said, the impact is even more devastating.
"Children deserve to grow up in environments that are safe, nurturing and free from exploitation. Any act that robs a child of their innocence is an assault not only on that child but on the values we hold as a nation," he stated.
Freeland expressed solidarity with Minister Turner, who has also publicly voiced concern about abuse against children in all its forms, emphasising that safeguarding young people must remain a national priority.
While reaffirming the importance of judicial independence, Freeland said Parliament has a clear responsibility to assess whether existing legislation adequately protects children and holds offenders fully accountable.
"It is entirely appropriate for us as a society to examine whether our laws should be strengthened to better protect our children and hold offenders more fully accountable," he said.
Freeland was firm that child protection cannot rest solely with families directly affected by abuse. "This conversation should not be limited to those who have personally experienced abuse or whose families have been directly affected. Protecting children is a shared responsibility. We should not have to wait until a tragedy touches our own household before we recognize the urgency of safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. This is fundamentally a human rights issue and a matter of national responsibility."
The Minister called on parents, educators, faith-based organisations, community leaders, civil society groups and all citizens to unite behind stronger child protection measures and legislative reform, including stiffer penalties for those convicted of sexually abusing children.
"Those who prey on our children must understand that such conduct will be met with the full force of the law," Freeland declared.
Freeland said he remains committed as a parliamentarian to supporting reforms that strengthen child protection, improve accountability and place the safety and dignity of children at the centre of the nation's priorities.
"The measure of any society is reflected in how it protects its most vulnerable. Let us stand together to ensure that every child in Antigua and Barbuda can grow up free from fear, abuse and exploitation," he said.
Public pressure continues to mount for a comprehensive review of the laws governing sexual offences against children, with many citizens urging lawmakers to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for perpetrators.
