The Minister of National Security, Hermangild Francis, plans to discuss the matter of raising the age of consent with the island’s Attorney General. Minister Francis made the disclosure at a press conference on Monday, saying that this measure would help to address a breakdown in the island’s social fabric. The minister told the media that far too many children are having children and that at 16 an individual should be focused on school and not sex. While acknowledging that there might be a lot of opposition to this initiative, he said it is necessary if Saint Lucia is to fight crime in a holistic way, tackling it from its root. He said programmes also need to be developed to enlighten parents of their responsibilities; to educate men and women about morality and teach them that they have a responsibility not to exploit anyone.