A principal of a Tobago school is expected to appear before a Scarborough Magistrate tomorrow facing 75 sex charges.

The man was arrested at his home by Scarborough police on Friday night, and was charged under the Sexual Offences Act with allegedly committing offences of a sexual nature against a 12-year-old girl and other minors. Sources told the Sunday Express that several girls came forward with their story to the police.

Police officials later visited a primary school on the island and interviewed staff and some pupils. The principal was subsequently suspended following an internal investigation but was arrested by Tobago police on Friday.

Last Friday during a press conference, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar read the riot act to citizens of this country, reminding the general public that people can face jail time if evidence of minors being sexually active is not reported. 

She said people can face seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000 is the punishment, parents, doctors, nurses, teachers and employers face if these matters were not reported.

According to Section 6(1) of the Sexual Offences Act anyone who is found guilty of having sex with a female under 14, who is not their wife, is liable to be imprisoned to life in prison.

Section 7 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act says a first-time offender who has sex with a female between the age of 14 and 16, who is not their wife, is liable to 12 years in prison.

A repeat offender faces 15 years imprisonment, Section 7(1) states.

Persad-Bissessar described rape of minors as “heinous” and said no excuses should be tolerated.

“They are heinous crimes against children, six-year-olds, seven-year-olds, a child’s life is gone forever,” Persad-Bissessar said.

Trinidad Express