House Passes Anti-Gang Bill

• The Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) (Amendment) Act, 2021, commonly called the Anti-Gang legislation, was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 1), with four amendments. 
• The amendments to the Act specify additional offences for activities in which criminal organizations are engaged, increase the number of offences under the Act, expand the list of aggravating factors to be considered when sentencing an individual convicted of certain offences under the Act, and improve the trial procedures in order to protect the identity of witnesses for connected matters. 
• Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said that a strong legislative framework is critical in ensuring sustainable crime reduction. This is an important step in reducing its contribution to political risk, and improving the business environment, as the current crime rate acts as an impediment to domestic and foreign direct investments. Despite significant improvements in recent years, Jamaica's homicide rate was estimated to be 46.5 per 100,000 people in 2020, the highest in Latin American and the Caribbean (Fitch Solutions).

(Source: JIS; NCBCM Research)