Man Charged Over Relations With Minor
A 26-year-old man from Carrot Bay has been arrested and charged on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16. Police collected DNA and fingerprint samples and the suspect was granted bail; he is expected to appear in Magistrate’s Court in November.
A 26-year-old man from Carrot Bay has been charged on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16, BVI News understands. Police arrested the man recently and reportedly took DNA and fingerprint samples as part of the investigation. He was granted bail at a substantial amount and is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court sometime in November, according to sources.
It remains unclear who made the initial report to the police and whether the young girl has been referred to the relevant authorities for social intervention, medical attention or counselling. Police and social services routinely work together in such cases, but the specifics of this matter have not been publicly confirmed.
Under Virgin Islands law, it is an offence for any person to have sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16. Conviction can result in a prison sentence. The territory has prosecuted similar cases in recent years: in 2021 a 19-year-old from Cane Garden Bay was charged with multiple counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16, and in 2011 a 27-year-old man was convicted on multiple counts involving a girl in her early teens and sentenced to four years in prison.
Across the Caribbean, experts and advocates say sexual activity involving minors is often underreported due to fear, stigma and pressures within small communities. In the BVI, however, authorities generally move swiftly when complaints are received, launching investigations and bringing suspects before the courts.
The current arrest is a reminder of ongoing concerns about child protection in the territory and the importance of reporting suspected abuse. Residents with information about crimes involving minors are encouraged to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force so that matters can be investigated and appropriate support offered to victims.
The police and social support agencies are responsible for ensuring victim safety and accessing counselling and medical services when needed. Further details, including any formal charges and the outcome of the November court appearance, will be reported as they become available.
Primary source: BVI News