Prime Minister Gaston Browne has endorsed the Small Charges (Amendment) Bill 2024, stressing its role in safeguarding youth and promoting discipline. In his Parliamentary address, Browne highlighted the bill’s importance for national development, asserting that achieving economic progress requires a stable and orderly society.
The proposed legislation aims to address loitering among minors and hold parents accountable. It introduces fines for parents who permit their children to loiter at night and imposes penalties on venues allowing minors on their premises between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Browne acknowledged concerns about potential civil liberties infringements but defended the bill as a necessary measure to tackle indiscipline. He emphasized that the bill also provides alternatives like community service and rehabilitation programs to avoid purely punitive outcomes.
The bill, passed by the House of Representatives, mandates that minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during restricted hours. Penalties include fines of EC $2,000 to $5,000 for parents and up to EC $5,000 for venues. Community service options are also included.
