Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, the Hon. Rawdon Turner, has added his voice to growing concerns over sentences imposed in cases involving the sexual abuse of children.

In a strongly worded statement published on his social media page, Turner said discussions about the separation of powers must not overshadow the seriousness of crimes being committed against some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

“Do not lecture me about separation of powers while our children are being destroyed,” the minister declared.

Turner highlighted several cases in which children ranging from three to 13 years old were sexually violated, but the convicted offenders reportedly received sentences ranging from probation to just over five years in prison.

Among the cases cited was that of a 56-year-old man who admitted sexually assaulting his five-year-old great-niece and received a sentence of three years and six months.

Turner also referenced a case involving a 25-year-old man who knowingly pursued a 13-year-old girl through social media and had sexual intercourse with her on two occasions. He was reportedly sentenced to 38 months.

In another case, a 21-year-old man admitted having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl but received two years’ probation and no custodial sentence.

The minister further pointed to the case of an 11-year-old foster child who became pregnant after being sexually violated by the adult son of the woman into whose care she had been placed. The offender reportedly received one year and two months in prison.

Other cases highlighted included the sexual assault of a three-year-old child by a man occupying the position of a grandparent, for which a five-year sentence was imposed, and the assault of a five-year-old girl on two occasions by her uncle, which resulted in a sentence of five years and three months.

Turner also cited a case involving a 13-year-old girl who was reportedly taken to an isolated road and coerced into sexual acts by an older cousin. The offender’s effective sentence was five years.

“Now read those ages again. Three. Five. Five. Eleven. Thirteen. Thirteen. Thirteen. These are children,” Turner wrote.

The minister said the examples demonstrate why he understands and supports the frustration expressed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne over sentencing in cases involving the sexual violation of children.

“So when Prime Minister Gaston Browne expresses outrage and frustration at sentences being handed down in cases involving the sexual violation of children, I understand him. I share that frustration,” Turner stated.

His comments come amid renewed national debate about whether penalties imposed on people convicted of serious crimes adequately reflect the harm inflicted upon victims, protect the public and serve as an effective deterrent.

Turner, whose ministerial responsibilities include social protection and matters affecting vulnerable groups, has previously called for stronger safeguards for children and greater accountability for those who abuse them.