Des Vignes: $50,000 penalty treats children as offenders, not victims

The proposed $50,000 penalty for children over ten years old found in specified circumstances involving alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or dangerous drugs has prompted concern in Parliament, with the Opposition arguing that children in such situations should be treated as victims rather than offenders.

Opposition Member of Parliament for Diego Martin West Hans Des Vignes raised concerns during his contribution to the debate on the Mis­cellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gam­bling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026 in Parliament yesterday.

Des Vignes questioned the proposed amendment to Section 38 of the Children Act, which would deem a child over the age of ten found in specified cir­cumstances involving alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or dangerous drugs to have committed an offence carrying a fine of up to $50,000 on summary conviction.