The passage of the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Bill, 2016 in the Senate on Tuesday represents just one of the series of hurdles to be crossed in dealing decisively with the issue of child marriage, as well as the broader, more critical matter of how women and girls are treated in this country.
The Bill, which now goes before the House of Representatives, passed by a margin of 23 for and none against, with five abstentions in the Senate.
The debate in the Upper House that preceded Tuesday's vote underscores how much these sensitive topics are shrouded in ignorance, as well as social and religious mores that have no relevance or value in 21st century T&T.
However, moving away from the myths and misogyny that help perpetuate child marriages requires much more than the very emotive debates that have been taking place inside and outside of Parliament for several months. The multi-ethnic, multi-religious composition of this society, the very thing that makes T&T so unique, is also what will make for a slow, possibly contentious process in coming to terms with this sensitive issue.
Although it has often been broadly stated that certain religions stipulate and approve of child marriage, publicly stated positions from various groups show that rifts exists and there are vastly differing views even among those expected to share common ideologies.
In the end, however, the long-term objective of this ongoing exercise should be to safeguard girls from the abuse and exploitation that can be inflicted upon them under the cloak of marriage.
The evidence is overwhelming, both from the scientific and social perspectives, that a young girl under the age of 18 is just beginning to understand herself and is still not fully aware of her inherent abilities, or sure about the things she wants to pursue.
It is therefore important, in the process of educating the population against child marriage, which will soon be outlawed, that citizens are made more aware of the many dangers of that practice.
While in recent days there have been impassioned pleas for exceptions to be made in cases where there is parental consent, that will not safeguard an under aged bride from negative health, social and economic consequences.
Child marriage not only puts girls at risk of sexually transmitted diseases but also increases the risk of maternal death because girls under the age of 19 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Early motherhood is linked to poor maternal health, with a greater likelihood of poor infant and child health. Young girls are also more likely to have children with low birth weight, inadequate nutrition and anaemia.
Child marriage is linked with higher risks of neonatal death and stillbirth, as well as child and infant morbidity and mortality.
There are many other negative outcomes when a young girl enters into marriage prematurely. Usually girls who marry too young are forced to drop out of school and lose out on the opportunity for a sound education, with many negative consequences, including social and financial instability.
The negative repercussions extend beyond the child bride to her children and wider family network.
The legislative remedies currently being pursued through the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament by Attorney General Faris al-Rawi are just part of the many important steps that must be taken in T&T to protect girls and lay important foundations for strong, healthy families.
Indeed, the measures now being implemented on the parliamentary front must be bolstered by policies and programmes, particularly via the Ministries of Education and Social Development, to increase awareness and equip individuals and families to make well-informed choices.
In the end, however, the long-term objective of this ongoing exercise should be to safeguard girls from the abuse and exploitation that can be inflicted upon them under the cloak of marriage.