Anti-crime bills passed

Philip Hamilton, Gleaner Writer

After nearly two years of intense deliberations, the House of Representatives finally passed six anti-crime bills following a lengthy parliamentary debate that ended shortly after 9:30 last night.

The bills, which were introduced by the Government as part of its efforts to support the security forces' efforts to reduce crime and violence, were first submitted to a joint select committee which examined the proposed measures for over a year.

They are: An Act to Amend the Bail Act, An Act to Amend the Parole Act, An Act to Further Amend the Firearms Act; An Act to Amend the Offences Against the Person Act; An Act to Make Interim Provision in Relation to the Grant of Bail in Specified Circumstances; and An Act to Make Interim Provision Extending the Powers of Arrest and Detention under Sections 50(b) and 50(f) of the Constabulary Force Act.

During the deliberations, the bills encountered opposition from several human-rights activists, some attorneys, as well as the Opposition, which objected, saying that some of the provisions infringed on Jamaicans' constitutional rights.

Out-of-Parliament talks were held last week between the Government and Opposition to arrive at consensus.

Leader of Government Business in the Lower House, Andrew Holness, described the passing of the bills as a historic moment.

philip.hamilton@gleanerjm.com