Reverend Conrad Pitkin, Custos of St. James - (Gleaner file photo)
.png)
Reverend Conrad Pitkin
Concern is being raised about the issue of child marriages in Jamaica.
The matter came to the fore last week following a police operation at the Qahal Yahweh church in Norwood, St. James.
There have been allegations of child abuse and child marriages in relation to the religious organisation.
Speaking Thursday at a Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) forum, Custos of St. James, Reverend Conrad Pitkin, said teenagers, even at the age of consent, are not ready for marriage.
"I don't think that a young girl at age 16 has the capacity, be that physical or emotional, to deal with sexual relationship, more so to get married. What mother or father in their right sense would ever give the approval to a child that needs an education and further development?" he contended.
Under Jamaican laws, 16 year-olds can get married with the consent of their parents or guardians.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
