The meeting was chaired by Hon. Brenda Hood deputizing for Hon. Claris Charles who was out of State on Government business. The Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell made an appearance based on the importance and national significance of the issue.
Recommendations were made on the basis of consensus drawn from prior discussions with all the stakeholders. These recommendations dated January 25, 2007 were forwarded by Reverend Osbert James, Chairman of the Conference of Churches in Grenada. Some of the pertinent recommendations were: The CCG acknowledges that it is the right of every Grenadian of school age to receive an education; that this right is in no way negated by a pregnancy; that it is not appropriate nor is it proper that the child/teenager, once the pregnancy is visible should continue in the regular school system etc.
The Prime Minister noted that the Government’s position was similar to that of what was presented by the Conference of Churches in Grenada. However, with further consultation, diligence and impassionate pursuit a Win- Win solution will be achieved in the interest of all concerned.
Matters Arising:
The Prime Minister stated that he thought he should attend the meeting due to the important nature of the matter at hand and its national significance. He stated that we are pursuing a middle of the road solution, where we work this through together bringing about a Win-Win solution that will be satisfactory for all concerned.
The Prime Minister indicated that when the interim decision was made, it was on the basis that we extract the best solution in the interest of the Child. He made the point of the challenging circumstances in our school system today and advised that no one Act will provide a perfect solution in our school system.
It was recommended that PAM should be more involved in the consultation process as we continue to address the matter.
Mention was made that as a means of being more specific, regulations should be included in the Education Act #21 of 2002. It was also stated that stronger penalties should be metered out on persons responsible for the actions against our children.
The Prime Minister made the point that if a man takes the position of committing a crime/act against our children, regardless of his social status, action should be taken against him. He also made the point that this matter goes beyond the sexual act because with unprotected sex we face the possibility of the further spread of aids.
Coming to the end of the meeting the Father of the affected child spoke of his daughter wanting to complete her education. By all accounts his wish will be granted.