Timothy Hamel-Smith
AS we experience multiple murders, home invasions and extortion, the fear is that the gangs and criminals are now in charge and will soon be at our doorsteps, if not already there. The statement by the Prime Minister that a coup was being planned in the SSA has led to further anxiety among the citizenry.
The government, by its virtual silence and express statements of its ministers, has abdicated the primary responsibility of the state to provide its citizens with the fundamental right to life, liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property granted by our Constitution.
But there is HOPE. Our governments do not have to stand idly by and watch our citizens slaughtered, hog-tied in their homes and deprived of their property.
These are some of the steps which a responsible government can take beyond the empty rhetoric:
Criminal justice system
Pass legislation to eliminate up to 75 per cent of the trivial cases lingering in the magistrates courts for many years. This will free up our magistrates courts, which handle 90 per cent of criminal matters, to deal with more important cases. Currently our magistrates have to deal with a backlog of some 45,000 cases, spending hours daily in adjourning matters.
Upgrade our legislation for illegal possession of firearms and improve our law on self-defence and the licensing of firearms and short-term amnesty.
Establish a 24-hour gun court. Guns are at the epicentre of our problem – prosecution of people in possession of unlicensed firearms should be as simple and straightforward as charging drivers for unlicensed motor vehicles. No witnesses required save for the evidence of the police officer arresting an individual for being in possession of a firearm without a licence. Video/bodycam evidence should be standard. The sentence for possession of an unlicensed firearm should be a minimum of ten years before eligibility for parole.
Speedy trials with modern case-management procedures and hearings by a single judge without a jury.
An enhanced prosecutorial system benefiting from a unified digital platform.
Introduction of rehabilitation, education and training programmes in our prisons and a parole system which encourages prisoners to improve behaviours and to become productive citizens on release.
Assign all traffic matters to a separate list to be dealt with by lay magistrates.
Stopping the flow of firearms and drugs
Lease x-ray scanners for our ports which can scan up to 150 containers per hour – no need for delays in clearing goods. The supplier must be responsible for leasing, operating and maintaining the scanners – this will end the sabotage.
Work in conjunction with Caricom's Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, Interpol and our international allies to apprehend the trafficking in guns and drugs in our territorial waters, utilising radar and drone surveillance and intercept vessels, including shiprider agreements as appropriate.
Decriminalisation of marijuana, accompanied by an extensive and long-term dr
