In a significant move to safeguard children’s rights, Grenada has amended its 1966 Marriage Act, raising the legal marriage age from 16 to 18. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced the amendment during a parliamentary session on November 4, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors. The change aligns with broader legislative efforts under the Spotlight Initiative, aimed at modernizing child protection laws. Mitchell highlighted that the amendment ensures children are not forced into marriage with parental consent, a practice that has long been criticized for exploiting young individuals. Additionally, the government is working on the Age of Civil Responsibility Bill, which would allow minors as young as 12 to access sexual and reproductive healthcare without parental consent. This proposal has sparked public debate, with civil society groups expressing concerns. Mitchell defended the bill, arguing that it prioritizes children’s health and well-being over sensationalism and conspiracy theories. He stressed the importance of consistency in setting the age of civil responsibility at 18, aligning it with other milestones like driving, voting, and obtaining identification cards. The Prime Minister warned that without such reforms, Grenada risks becoming a haven for exploitative practices targeting financially vulnerable families. The 2025 amendment to the Marriage Act marks a pivotal step in Grenada’s efforts to protect its youth and align its laws with international standards.