A Bill for an act to amend the country's Sexual Offences Act put before Parliament

​A bill for an act to amend the country's sexual offences act was put before Parliament Friday morning by Minister of Justice, Immigration & National Security Rayburn Blackmoore.
In December 2015, Legal Advisor Ray Harris was assigned Head of the Law Review Committee to update the laws as regards to sexual offences in Dominica.
The laws related to rape have been enhanced to deal with gross indecency and the concepts of sexual grooming of a minor under the age of 16, voyeurism, mandatory reporting by medical providers and persons in authority of suspected abuse.

Minister of Justice, Immigration & National Security Rayburn Blackmoore

Dominica's PM Roosevelt Skerrit added his support to the Bill before Parliament.
The PM says while the Government has taken the initiative in bringing the Bill forward, this alone will not solve the problem of sexual abuse.

​Skerrit is concerned about non-governmental organizations who speak out about addressing the issues as relates to sexual abuse, but do not really want it addressed.

PM Roosevelt Skerrit
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Ray Harris chaired the committee which comprised the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chief Parliamentary Council, a State Attorney and a Police Inspector.
The recommendations were formulated in consultation with key stakeholders and non-governmental organizations.
The house resumes at 2:30pm today.