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Boodhu Rejects Child Blame, Apologises to Teen's Family Over PM's Remarks People's National Movement Deputy Political Leader Sanjiv Boodhu has strongly criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over her comments surrounding a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing and subsequently found in the company of an adult man. Speaking on behalf of the PNM, Boodhu insisted that children must never be blamed for situations in which adults may have exploited or manipulated them. His remarks followed controversy surrounding the recovery of the teenager, who had been missing for 26 days before being located by the Hunters' Search and Rescue Team. The Prime Minister had defended the search team's work while warning that teenagers who choose to behave like adults could face consequences under the law. Boodhu rejected what he considered an attempt to place responsibility on the child. He argued that adults who encourage inappropriate relationships with children must be held accountable rather than allowing young victims to carry the shame and stigma associated with such incidents. Drawing on his experience as a criminal defence attorney, Boodhu said adults convicted of offences involving children sometimes complete their sentences and return to society, while the children involved continue to live with the emotional consequences. He acknowledged that the full circumstances of the teenager's disappearance were not known and said the investigation should be left to the police. However, he maintained that protecting children must remain the priority regardless of the circumstances. Boodhu also criticised the Prime Minister's response, describing her comments as insensitive and irresponsible. Speaking from the PNM platform, he extended an apology to the teenager and her family. Meanwhile, the Children's Authority has confirmed that the girl is in its care and will receive appropriate psychosocial support. The controversy has also raised questions about the public identification of minors, the responsibilities of volunteer search teams and the importance of protecting children from further trauma following their recovery.
Boodhu Rejects Child Blame, Apologises to Teen’s Family Over PM’s Remarks
People’s National Movement Deputy Political Leader Sanjiv Boodhu has strongly criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over her comments surrounding a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing and subsequently found in the company of an adult man.
Speaking on behalf of the PNM, Boodhu insisted that children must never be blamed for situations in which adults may have exploited or manipulated them.
His remarks followed controversy surrounding the recovery of the teenager, who had been missing for 26 days before being located by the Hunters’ Search and Rescue Team.
The Prime Minister had defended the search team’s work while warning that teenagers who choose to behave like adults could face consequences under the law.
Boodhu rejected what he considered an attempt to place responsibility on the child.
He argued that adults who encourage inappropriate relationships with children must be held accountable rather than allowing young victims to carry the shame and stigma associated with such incidents.
Drawing on his experience as a criminal defence attorney, Boodhu said adults convicted of offences involving children sometimes complete their sentences and return to society, while the children involved continue to live with the emotional consequences.
He acknowledged that the full circumstances of the teenager’s disappearance were not known and said the investigation should be left to the police.
However, he maintained that protecting children must remain the priority regardless of the circumstances.
Boodhu also criticised the Prime Minister’s response, describing her comments as insensitive and irresponsible.
Speaking from the PNM platform, he extended an apology to the teenager and her family.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Authority has confirmed that the girl is in its care and will receive appropriate psychosocial support.
The controversy has also raised questions about the public identification of minors, the responsibilities of volunteer search teams and the importance of protecting children from further trauma following their recovery.
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