Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his government will bring legislation to Parliament to establish minimum prison sentences for gun crimes, arguing that existing sentencing practices allow some offenders to return to the streets too soon.
Speaking Saturday on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne sharply criticized sentences he considers too lenient, particularly for people who repeatedly commit violent crimes. He said the government intends to change the law to keep such offenders in prison longer while developing programmes to help them reintegrate into society after their release.
“We’re going to parliament to increase the minimum,” Browne said. “We’re going to put a minimum sentence.”
He did not clearly set out the proposed minimum for a specific offence during that part of the broadcast. A recording played later in the programme referred to a 15-year minimum, but Browne did not provide the wording of a bill or explain which offences that figure would cover.
Browne said his concerns had been reinforced by recordings circulating of people in prison whom he described as waiting to complete short sentences before resuming criminal activity. He also pointed to young people displaying guns on social media.
The prime minister directed some of his strongest criticism at the courts and criminal lawyers, saying judges and magistrates had imposed sentences he believed were disproportionate to the harm caused by serious crime. “We can’t trust the judiciary to give proper sentencing,” he said.
Browne acknowledged that mandatory minimum sentences face opposition from some lawyers and members of the judiciary. He said elected officials nevertheless have a responsibility to respond to public concerns about violence.
Alongside tougher penalties, Browne called for skills training and rehabilitation for prisoners. He said parents, churches, businesses and other community groups also have a role in helping steer young people away from crime.
The government has not released the proposed legislation or a timetable for its introduction.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM: Antigua and Barbuda Will Press Ahead With Minimum Sentences for Gun Crimes.