By Azara Lavia
In a decisive move aimed at curbing loitering and reducing youth crime, the government’s newly- amended Small Charges Act has introduced a nightly curfew for minors, which officially came into effect on October 1.
Speaking to Observer media, Attorney General and Public Safety Minister, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, confirmed that the curfew for minors will run from 10 pm to 6 am. Under this law, parents or guardians will face fines of up to XCD$5,000.00 if their children are found violating the curfew.
Sir Steadroy stressed that parents would receive warnings for the first and second offenses, but on the third occurrence, they would be fined.
The new regulation, a recent amendment to the Small Charges Act passed by Parliament last month, represents a crucial part of the government’s broader agenda to address violent crime and anti-social behaviour among young people.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it will foster safer public spaces and help guide youth away from potentially dangerous environments. Critics, however, worry about the potential strain on families, and the burden placed on parents to enforce compliance.
Residents took to social media to share their thoughts after news broke via State media. One individual commented, “This is a strong response for uninvolved or unmotivated parents—hitting them in the wallet might help. Perhaps we need to return to the idea that it takes a village to raise a child.”
Another person expressed concern, saying, “10:00 pm is too late for schoolchildren.”
A single mother added, “I don’t think this is the right approach, but I’m just a single mom raising two kids.”
Yet another individual noted, “A 10:00 pm curfew for minors seems too late when they should be in bed by 8 or 9. Most adults are already inside unless it’s the weekend.”