Padarath calls for the Establishment of a Sex Offender’s Registry

Princes Town MP Barry Padarath in a press release called for the establishment of a sex offender’s registry in Trinidad and Tobago in light of a 31 year old man accused of molesting a 5 year old, as the 31 year old was found hanging today in a cemetery in Princes Town.

Padarath stated that the People’s Partnership government was engaged in putting together the framework for the sex offender’s registry while in government and called on Attorney General Farris Al Rawi to continue with and expedite the registry’s establishment.

The Princes Town MP lamented that too many children were becoming victims of sexual abuse in Trinidad and Tobago and that government and civil society needed to work hand in hand to protect the nation’s children.

Padarath stated a sex offender’s registry would be able to address sexual offences not only against children but also adults.

He stated that former Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessr, had placed a lot of focus and attention on children’s issues and the establishment of the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development under the Persad Bissessar administration was meant to streamline support for the most vulnerable. The MP indicated that he was saddened that the current administration appeared not to have the political will to deal with matters that affected children the most.

He said that the establishment of a sex offender’s registry would yield real, tangible results and would be a preventative measure as opposed to reactionary.

Padarath stated, once the list is compiled and continues to be updated, we here in Trinidad and Tobago must have dialogue on publishing the names of sex offender, since it was his view that we should not be protecting the identities of criminals.

The MP for Princes Town praised the work of the Children’s Authority, but indicated that additional resources and support is needed from the government to further empower the Children’s Authority to meet their mandate and objectives. Mr. Padarath further advised that the Children’s Authority was established while the former Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar was in government.

The Princes Town MP indicated that this would be a matter he would be raising in the Parliament.