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At Large Representative and government member Stacy Mather has called for the draft Virgin Islands Sexual Offences Bill, 2025 to move forward, warning that the Territory cannot wait for another child to be harmed before strengthening its safeguards.
Speaking on October 15, Mather pressed for a sex offenders registry with strong reporting requirements, penalties for non-compliance and provisions covering convicted offenders entering or returning to the Territory.
“A draft bill has been prepared, and public consultation has taken place, but now we need to move this legislation forward,” he said.
“When it comes to protecting our children, we cannot afford to wait until another child is harmed before we act.”
Mather said he raised the need for a registry in the House of Assembly to establish a proper legal system for monitoring people convicted of serious sexual offences.
“Parents do everything they can to keep their children safe. Our laws should help them do that,” he stated.
He stressed that the initiative should be grounded in convictions and legal safeguards, rather than rumours, accusations or people taking justice into their own hands.
The Government invited public feedback on the draft bill in March. The proposed legislation addresses child sexual abuse, exploitation, abuse of positions of trust and online offences, while strengthening protections for complainants.
Regionally, Antigua and Barbuda announced steps in September to make its existing sex offenders registry publicly accessible, including photographs. Prime Minister Gaston Browne instructed Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to advance the change from the restricted-access system.
Mather’s call also comes against concerns about sexual health and the vulnerability of young people in the BVI.
August 20, Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald Georges raised concerns about sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults, particularly transactional sexual activity involving older adults.
The report highlighted the exchange of sex for money, gifts, transportation, accommodation or other benefits, warning that imbalances of power could raise serious consent, safeguarding and legal concerns.
Mather maintained that rehabilitation must be accompanied by measures that prioritise children’s safety.
“Rehabilitation has its place, but the safety of our children must always be a priority,” he said.
“We cannot protect our children from every danger, but where we can put safeguards in place, we have a responsibility to do it.”
Speaking on October 15, Mather pressed for a sex offenders registry with strong reporting requirements, penalties for non-compliance and provisions covering convicted offenders entering or returning to the Territory.
“A draft bill has been prepared, and public consultation has taken place, but now we need to move this legislation forward,” he said.
“When it comes to protecting our children, we cannot afford to wait until another child is harmed before we act.”
Mather said he raised the need for a registry in the House of Assembly to establish a proper legal system for monitoring people convicted of serious sexual offences.
“Parents do everything they can to keep their children safe. Our laws should help them do that,” he stated.
He stressed that the initiative should be grounded in convictions and legal safeguards, rather than rumours, accusations or people taking justice into their own hands.
The Government invited public feedback on the draft bill in March. The proposed legislation addresses child sexual abuse, exploitation, abuse of positions of trust and online offences, while strengthening protections for complainants.
Regionally, Antigua and Barbuda announced steps in September to make its existing sex offenders registry publicly accessible, including photographs. Prime Minister Gaston Browne instructed Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to advance the change from the restricted-access system.
Mather’s call also comes against concerns about sexual health and the vulnerability of young people in the BVI.
August 20, Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald Georges raised concerns about sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults, particularly transactional sexual activity involving older adults.
The report highlighted the exchange of sex for money, gifts, transportation, accommodation or other benefits, warning that imbalances of power could raise serious consent, safeguarding and legal concerns.
Mather maintained that rehabilitation must be accompanied by measures that prioritise children’s safety.
“Rehabilitation has its place, but the safety of our children must always be a priority,” he said.
“We cannot protect our children from every danger, but where we can put safeguards in place, we have a responsibility to do it.”
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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