What Will Happen to Our Women and Children?

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The subject of “Marital Rape” is on its second round; the first being some months ago. We seem to talk a lot in this country, but how long does it take for real action to take place? 

On this second round of discussions in the public domain, if I were a lawmaker, I would take my cue from Prime Minister, Phillip Brave Davis who said if a married woman can make a complaint about being abused, she can make a complaint about being raped. That, right there!! 

There are some brutish married men out there who feel “No!” has nothing to do with them. A woman’s body belongs to her, no matter what the religious zealots say. If she doesn’t wish to engage in the mostly pleasurable act of sex then she shouldn’t be forced to. 

Women’s advocate groups like Women United, have tirelessly pleaded with legislators to bring this pot to a boil, take the cover off and dish up a plate for offenders to eat. But, the law must first be passed. What’s taking so long? Who is it that they don’t want to offend? 

I ask that question, but this is not a Progressive Liberal Party issue. The Free National Movement did the same thing – wiggle and gripe, but no real action. They might say they were not in power long enough to make right of this issue, but we all know who is to blame for that. I charge the Davis Administration to amend the act and pass it in Parliament and get on with the issue of protecting women. 

The children, though! What about them?! When I see posts of missing teen girls, I cringe, however, most times it’s a mystery when they disappear from their parents’ home and even more of a quiet mystery when they return. 

When I see posts of missing girls and boys under the age of 14, I scream. I scream because they are defenseless against the predators of this world. I often wonder about the ever-so- talked-about “Marco’s Alert”. As a journalist I’ve covered both governments’ efforts on activating “Marco’s Alert” and the countless dollars spent on it. 

When are we going to take the wellbeing of our children seriously and activate this tool that will at least make someone spot missing children and report it to the police?

In the meantime what happens to our women and children? They continue to suffer in silence. 

*The views and opinions expressed by As I See it are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy, position or opinions of Our News, Our TV, REV or CBL, their respective parent companies or affiliates.