In the face of persistent challenges from various human rights organizations, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck stands firm in his support for the proposed mandatory minimum sentence of fifty years for murder convictions. The Minister asserts that these stringent penalties are imperative for the current state of affairs.
Referring to a recent incident where the police swiftly responded to a criminal act, Minister Chuck emphasizes the urgency of imposing harsh penalties and expeditious actions when apprehending criminals in flagrante delicto. While he does not endorse the death penalty, he believes that the public is clamoring for stricter punishments. During his review of multiple mandatory minimum legislation bills before a joint select committee of parliament, Minister Chuck encourages committee members to contemplate eliminating the possibility of parole for offenders in cases of capital murder where death or life imprisonment sentences are not applicable. According to him, capital murder cases warrant a decisive message that the offender should be incarcerated for an extended period, as they pose a grave threat to society.
The Minister also indicates that discussions will be held regarding non-capital murder cases, suggesting that these offenses may appear less severe. It’s worth noting that the proposed bill faced criticism from human rights groups a few months ago, with concerns raised about potential violations of human rights and international standards. However, in light of recent gruesome murders, Minister Chuck remains resolute in his belief that these proposals are the most appropriate response to the current crisis, asserting that they align with the demands of the public. Watch the report:
Reporter: Kimberly Henry
