Child marriage issue is an embarassment

I have conducted diligent and vast research, reading scientific studies conducted throughout the world so as to attempt to confirm the effect of climate on the timing of puberty, however my attempts have proven to be of no avail.

Puberty has proven to be biological, with genetic and environmental factors thought to be involved in the timing of this hormonal activity.

However, no scientifically conclusive evidence of climate being involved in the timing of puberty has been forthcoming. I therefore request that Senator Dr Mohammed, provide to the citizenry the necessary scientific study or studies read by his good self in coming to the conclusion that climate affects the timing of puberty in girls and that the attainment of puberty is sufficient for the consideration of marriage of a minor.

While I do understand that Senator Dr Mohammed is under no obligation to provide the requested information, I am of the firm opinion that any person appointed to represent the citizenry should do so by providing the most honest, well researched, fact based and scientifically proven information, particularly where that person is sitting in the seat of our democracy. Further, any person making statements in our Parliament on issues that would greatly affect minors and by extension, our country, should be willing to put forward the necessary evidence to support his/her conclusions.

It is embarrassing that we are debating whether the age of marriage should be increased to ensure child marriage becomes illegal, and it would be even more embarrassing to us as a nation if Senators and other Members of Parliament are allowed to put forward information in the public domain that has absolutely no evidential basis so as to justify and advance personal and religious views to the disadvantage of our young girls.

I do not on any account support child marriage and cannot justify puberty being a factor in deciding whether a girl should be married or not.

Nonetheless, in respecting democracy and the opportunity she affords to every person in being entitled to their opinion and, respecting freedom of religion, I would greatly appreciate being educated by Senator Dr Mohammed, on the effect of climate on the timing of puberty and the relationship between puberty and marriage.

On behalf of all the like-minded citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I await Senator Mohammed’s timely response.

Philip D Koo nj Beharry Maraval