I cannot believe this is even up for debate. In Trinidad and Tobago, the constitution states that a CHILD, which is defined as a person under the age of eighteen, could be legally married once their parents or guardians have given permission/ consent for this to happen.
The question being asked now is whether the laws should be changed, as under age marriage is still legal.Members of various religions have met to discuss and unanimously conclude that the outdated laws of the Marriage Act of 1923, should remain the same.
For a moment I would like the nation to please consider what society was like in 1923 and why those laws were applicable then but cannot be applicable now. In 1923, when the laws were created, we were just on the cusp of the end of indentureship and Trinidad and Tobago had not yet gained its independence from the British Empire.
Amenities that we enjoy today, such as access to land ownership, rights to practice our own religion and even marry outside our own race and religion were against the law.Take into consideration the time in which these laws were created and the circumstances in which it was created.
Times have changed, and the laws should reflect the times in which we live.The constitution has not been updated to account for the changes that occurred in society and that is a scary reality.
The laws of a country are supposed to protect and serve the people, not endanger the lives of minors who are not able to make such grand decisions that can affect the quality of their lives from that point onwards.
This has affected our society in the way we treat women and children. There are high rates of child rape, abuse and endangerment and lets not even get started with what is done to our women.
I am twenty one years old and I will not like to continue living in a place where the lives of children and women are not respected and protected.The legislation along with the attitudes and ideas of our country needs a good shaking up in order for this country to move in the right direction.
I am begging and pleading with hands outstretched that we wake up Trinidad and Tobago, because this is the bed we are making for future generations to lie in and I am really uncomfortable in it.
Desiree Nicome