The Andrew Fahie led Administration will be introducing a Sexual Offenses Bill in the territory that will aim to monitor and track sex offenders following their release from prison.
This was revealed during the 2022 Speech from the Throne in the House of Assembly, which was delivered by His Excellency Governor John Ranking today January 18.
Governor Rankin said the aim of the Bill is to bring the BVI in line with international best practices for sexual offense legislation.
“The Sexual Offenses Bill will be introduced to provide a gender sensitive legal framework relating to a broad range of sexual crimes and provide adequate measures for minimizing secondary traumatization and mentoring and tracking of sex offenders following their release into the community,” Governor Rankin stated.
He added, “It will address implementation monitoring and devaluation arrangements, investigation and prosecution procedures, legal proceedings and evidence and sentencing, and provide protection, support and assistance to complainants and survivors. The Act will bring the Virgin Islands in line with international best practices for sexual offense legislation, by providing comprehensive definitions and prioritizing the prevention of gender based violence.”
Children Care and Adoption Bill
Governor Ranking also said that to assist with curbing violence against children in the territory, the VIP Administration will also be introducing the Children Care and Adoption Bill.
This will ensure that the BVI’s legislation is in line with the standards of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
He said, “The Children Care and Adoption Bill will be brought forward in a new session of the House of Assembly to ensure that local legislation is in line with the OECS model Children Care and Adoption Bill, to modernize and strengthen the laws to aid in the proper care and management of children in the Virgin Islands. The Bill will provide a more comprehensive way to address child abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of violence against children.”
“It’s express intent is to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the child and that any decisions taken are made in the best interest of the child. The Bill will modernize the laws relating to foster care and adoption procedures and the overall welfare of the child,” Governor Ranking further stated.