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News
VIDEO: Gov’t tightening firearm, anti-gang laws
Friday, December 09, 2011
THE Government has mandated that all licensed firearms be provided with traceable security marks as it modernises the country's anti-gang legislation as part of the fight against crime.
Following a decision taken by the Cabinet, all holders of licensed firearms will have to present them to the licensing authority to be marked when being licensed by special machines to be acquired under an agreement with the Organisation of American States.
"This is important for us to be able to trace weapons," Nelson said of the agreement at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday.
He said the ministry had engaged the services of an international consultant to develop a small arms policy for the Government to address how small arms in the hands of private persons. He said there are about 25,000 licensed firearms in private hands, apart from those held by the security forces.
Speaking of the new law which will replace the anti-gang legislation, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck described it as "one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the fight against crime and the dismantling of criminal gangs in our society, especially in inner-city communities".
The legislation, in part, defines a gang of a group of three or more persons who, among other things, conspire to commit serious criminal offences, intimidate other persons, and who identify themselves as a group by having a common name, dressing alike, or having special marks or signs such as tattoos.
But the justice minister said, after consultation with stakeholders, care was taken to ensure that the Charter of Rights and freedom of association were preserved, and that "no innocent group could be deemed a criminal gang".
He also issued a warning to women who were involved with men or had relatives who were involved in criminal gangs to "ease out now" or face the prospect of going to prison for long periods, such as 15 years.
Nelson said there were about 200 criminal gangs in Jamaica that were being targeted for dismantling.
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12/10/2011
All licensed firearms already have a serial number so why are they spending time on this issue. The problem is one of illegal weapons coming into the country that is where is focus should be...stopping the flow and getting the ones already in the country off the streets. As for the gangs...they should be labeled as terrorist organisations because that is what they are....when caught they should be tried for treason with a punishment of death. It is time that we get serious on these matters...
12/9/2011
That is Correct Ian, I am also not sure about the special mark since all firearms are already marked and has a bullet signature?
12/9/2011
Not only that, tabs need to be placed on every visitor to the island; find out why they're in Jamaica and where they are. Invasion of privacy; but a stand has to be taken. Other countries want to beef up security;especially in the wake of 9/11 so why can't Jamaica?
On the other hand, the kids who feel the need to join gangs need to have an alternative. They need to feel that their years in school will be rewarded
12/9/2011
That Good ,But the government of jamaica should be doing more to stop the illegal flow of weapons coming into the country,by more border security and container inspection these are the weapons that are causing the problems in ja
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