The Tribune

AN OPPOSITION Senator has condemned all acts of abuse against minors after a horrific court case this week that saw a 62-year-old grandfather convicted of 22 counts of incest and one count of indecent assault against his granddaughter. 

The abuse spanned a period of nearly five years and left the victim traumatised. 

The now 17-year-old complainant testified to years of repeated sexual abuse, describing it as a “nightmare”. She detailed how her grandfather allegedly forced her into non-consensual anal and oral sex on multiple occasions, acts that she said started when she was just 11 years old.

Shadow Minister of Social Services Maxine Seymour, has denounced the horrific spoke of her sadness and anger over the case and reaffirmed her stance on the need for strengthened protections for the country’s most vulnerable.

“I strongly condemn all predatory acts executed on minors,” said Mrs Seymour. “As noted on multiple occasions, no matter how complicated the world gets, children should have safe homes and neighborhoods where they can grow up unharmed, secure, and healthy, and develop to the maximum extent of their potential.”

She commended the survivor’s courage in recounting years of suffering, but added that her testimony is a stark reminder that more must be done to prevent these egregious breaches of trust within families. She urged the government to prioritise the expansion of accessible support services for survivors and to implement aggressive measures to prevent future abuse, particularly within the family and by those in positions of power.

“In recent times, we are seeing an overwhelming increase in allegations of incest and sexual assault cases, including instances implicating law enforcement officials,” Seymour said. 

“These alarming trends demand that we hold all offenders accountable, regardless of their positions, and create safer spaces for everyone in our society.”

She emphasised that protecting children and vulnerable individuals should be a national focus and commitment. “As a community, we must prioritise the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us: children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.”

“I stand with the brave survivors of these monstrous crimes, and their loved ones, as they pick up the pieces that will forever be fragmented; it is not easy to just get over such personal violations.”

Mr Seymour concluded by emphasising the need to take decisive action to ensure that Bahamian children can grow up safely and securely, free from harm. 

“The Bahamian people deserve a country where innocence is protected, where no survivor’s voice goes unheard, and where no trauma is trivialised.”