Jamaica has the largest number of children born out of wedlock in the world

Black Britain:

The incidence of carnal abuse in Jamaica – where men engage in sex with girls under 16, has increased by 40 per cent on last year’s figures. The number of pregnancies among girls aged 12-13 is also on the rise.

The Jamaica Gleaner reported yesterday that carnal abuse is being blamed for the increase in pregnancies among girls as young as 11, which has sent alarm bells ringing among campaign groups.

According to the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, some girls do not even start menstruation before they engage in sexual intercourse. Those responsible are generally men aged between 20 and 23 but sometimes older men are involved.

Women’s groups want to see the law changed as presently a man aged 20-23 can be charged with a misdemeanour if he can prove he thought the girl was over 16. Also under the present Offences Against the Person Act, the girls would have to be cross-examined by lawyers for the accused, which deters some victims from coming forward.

Following a debate last week in the House of Representatives on the issue, the Minister of National Security, Dr Peter Phillips said the problem needs to be tackled on many levels and he pledged to work with NGOs and community organisations.

But Dr Phillips said the incidence of carnal abuse and pre-teen pregnancies is linked to the wider issue of unstable family environments.

Phillips wants all-out attack on carnal abuse