Government Eyes Tougher Penalties for Gun, Drug and Gang Crimes

The government is looking at tougher laws to deal with crime, including possible changes to legislation covering firearms, drugs and gang-related offences. Minister of National Security Michel Chebat says consultations are underway as authorities look at stronger penalties and new measures to address rising violence. Among the proposed changes are tougher penalties for certain offences, including mandatory custodial sentences, even in some cases involving first-time offenders. The government is also looking at updating the laws to include synthetic drugs that are not currently covered and providing clearer guidelines for courts when dealing with gang-related crimes. Another proposal would allow minors who commit serious offences to be tried as adults. At the same time, authorities are considering stronger penalties for adults who recruit or use children to carry out criminal activities. Minister of National Security Michel Chebat says while tougher laws are part of the response, prevention and intervention are also needed to keep young people away from crime.

Michel Chebat, Minister of National Security: “The reforms are also targeted to increase penalties for adults who recruit and use minors to commit crimes so that not only those executing the crimes but also those who are the masterminds will be targeted. These adults are taking advantage of vulnerable young people luring them into a life of crime and despair. They must be held accountable for the crimes being committed by these young individuals. There will be the establishment of a National Security Advisory Committee that will be made up of a cross-section of our community, including the churches, NGOs, the media, and the opposition. Fighting crime is not only the job of the police but it is everybody’s business. We are going to be working to improve the relationship between the police and the office of the DPP and the National Forensic Laboratory to ensure that they are involved at every stage of criminal investigation involving major crimes. The intent is to secure a greater number of prosecutions particularly at the High Court level. There will be the implementation of a ‘second chance’ program that will focus on youth between the ages of 15 to 23. This will be done in collaboration with a cross-section of ministries, including Human Development, Ministry of Sports, MIDH, Natural Resources, Fisheries, Agriculture and Labour, as well as the churches, NGOs and the business community.”

As part of that effort, the government plans to introduce a Second Chance Programme targeting young people between the ages of 15 and 23. The programme is expected to involve government ministries, churches, NGOs and the business community, with the aim of providing support, training and alternatives for at-risk youth. The proposed legal changes are still under discussion, and no timeline has been announced for when the amendments could be brought forward.