A town hall public consultation examined proposals to increase the legal age of sexual consent and marriage from 16 to 18 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs, partnering with the St. Kitts and Nevis Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), hosted the event on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Solid Waste Management Conference Room.
Boosting Child Protection and Public Input
This effort seeks to enhance child safeguards across the twin-island federation while fostering greater citizen participation in policy development.
Officials detailed existing laws and outlined key advantages of the change: stronger protection for teenagers, freedom to focus on education, and lower risks of exploitation from early marriages.
Azilla Clarke, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs, led the presentations. She stated that decisions on the proposal must rely on facts, with public opinions playing a key role in research and policy formulation.
Engaging Diverse Stakeholders
Youth representatives, civil society groups, community leaders, and members of the public attended. Participants shared perspectives during open discussions and a question-and-answer session with the panel.
Commitment to Global Standards
The consultation highlights the government’s focus on sustainable development, blending community values with modern child protection principles in line with international benchmarks. It promises long-term security for children and adolescents on the islands.
