Wife of PM Wants Maximum Sentence

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip Davis, wants child violators to receive the maximum sentence.

Her impassioned comments come as debate swirls surrounding consent and victim-blaming, after a 40-year-old man got a four-year plea deal for unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Here’s Jared Higgs.

On the sidelines of a child protection month event, Davis was asked her thoughts on comments made by Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Franklyn Williams, about a case involving a 40-year-old man having unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl and getting a four-year plea deal.

Williams referred to highly sexualized young people engaging in risky behaviours in his response, leading many to accuse of him victim-blaming.

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe was also criticized for comments he made in defense of Williams, telling reporters that the 14-year-old gave consent to the 40-year-old man and that he would have advised him to take the matter to trial since rape carries a sentence of seven years.

For her part, Davis says she supports the maximum sentence for child violators.

Davis’s comments come during a week when the topics of consent and victim-blaming have been front and center. At today’s child protection month event, Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe said he didn’t think the comments by Williams and Munroe would undermine their work, once they stay focused on their goals.