Bill to protect community now before Parliament

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 17TH 2009 (CUOPM) – A Bill targeting gangs and gang violence has been tabled in the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly.
 
Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Dennis Merchant told the opening session of the New Law Term that the “Community (Protection from Certain Crimes) Bill, 2009, seeks to enhance law enforcement in the area of investigation and prosecution of certain groups.
 
He said it will also seek to deter and punish crime committed in concert with two or more individuals so that law–abiding citizens and communities are protected from such crimes.
 
“This Bill seeks to reform and facilitate prosecution of juvenile group members who commit crimes in concert with others, and to establish group prevention programmes,” said Dr. Merchant.
 
The Attorney General said that his Ministry has also reviewed the rules of evidence in an effort to bring them in line with modern trends.
 
“We did embark on the review exercise with the objective of eradicating the complexities and uncertainties created by having to rely on rules applied in the United Kingdom,” said Dr. Merchant who disclosed that a draft Evidence Bill, 2009, has been produced and has been sent to the Bar Association for its comments.