Growing up in Dominica, I, like many other children, was taught to be cautious of strangers and to trust in the safety of our community. Yet, it is a heart-wrenching reality that too many of our children have fallen victim to sexual predators within our very neighborhoods. It is for these children, their families, and their future that I am compelled to call for urgent action.

Currently, Dominica lacks a comprehensive registry for sexual predators, leaving our communities vulnerable and uninformed. This significant gap in our justice system fails to protect our most vulnerable—our children. According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men report being sexually abused as children. Without a registry, offenders are free to continue their heinous acts without fear of public exposure or accountability.

We can take a cue from countries such as the United States and Canada, where sexual offenders are required to register their details. These registries have been instrumental in reducing re-offending rates by increasing public awareness and enabling law enforcement to monitor offenders more effectively. In particular, Megan’s Law in the United States mandates community notification of sex offenders' presence, which contributes to community safety.

Furthermore, we need our law enforcement authorities to be held accountable to ensure that they are diligent in their duties to protect our citizens. According to research, the presence of a registry, along with stringent law enforcement procedures, significantly deters potential offenders and strengthens judicial processes leading to more robust convictions.

Implementing a sexual predators registry would involve a coordinated effort between the government, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders. Funding and resources must be allocated to establish this registry and to train law enforcement agencies in effectively using this tool to safeguard our communities.

This is more than a petition; it is a plea for the future safety of our children. I urge you concerned members of Parliament, to prioritize this initiative and demonstrate your commitment to the protection of our children and families. We cannot wait another day and must act now to ensure the safety and security of Dominica's future generations.

Please stand with me and insist on change. Let's make Dominica a safe haven for our children. Sign this petition to demand the immediate implementation of a sexual predators registry and to hold law enforcement accountable in the pursuit of justice.