The Dominica government Tuesday tabled several pieces of legislation that it said will correct a “historical and generational wrong” as it pertains to children born out of wedlock.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told legislators that he believes today should be regarded as a “red letter day”, adding that “the series of laws therefore will offer protection for spouses in divorce, parents and grandparent unable to care for themselves, children who are abused and neglected, and victims of domestic violence.”
He said that by bringing these measures to Parliament, his administration is demonstrating its seriousness about the protection of children, women and the elderly “whose rights are most often trampled upon.”
He said the legislation provides guidance on the provision of care and security for children “so that they are assured more hopeful futures.”
Skerrit said the Status of Children Bill aims to establish equal rights for all children regardless of their parents or their parents’ marital status.
“In simple terms, the law is concerned with the rights of children to take interest in property and addresses the entitlement of a child born outside of a marriage. It legitimises children, ensuring that the issue of paternity is not held over their heads as a disqualifying factor in matters of succession.
“In essence, the law eliminates the disheartening and often cruel discrimination that many of us have had to contend with due to the cultural and societal norms of small Caribbean societies,” Skerrit said, reminding legislators that many are familiar with the phrase “outside children” in reference to babies born out of wedlock and family structure.
“In fact, several of us may be all too familiar with what it means to be an outside child, looked down upon and made to feel less than and in many cases ostracised by our very sisters and brothers who were fortunate to be born as legitimate heirs of our fathers.”
CMC/
