Press Release From the Office of the Prime Minister - April 30, 2025
Parliament has approved amendments to the Offences Against the Person, Criminal Justice and Child Care Protection Acts.
The legislations, which seek to address the country’s murder rate, reviewed the penalties for persons who commit the heinous offence of murder.
The Bills were piloted by the Justice Minister Delroy Chuck and previously went through a joint select committee where a wide cross-section of sectors in the society provided feedback, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Office of the Public Defender, the Jamaican Bar Association, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Psychological Society, and the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies, as well as civil society stakeholders.
Minister Chuck noted that the Government is implementing a comprehensive approach to decisively addressing crime.
“While this Government continues to invest in crime prevention, intelligence-driven policing, and social intervention programmes, it is also imperative that the justice system reflects the seriousness of the crimes that continue to undermine public order and confidence in the rule of law.”
Among the amendments:
- Under the amended Offences Against the Person Act for capital murder, the mandatory minimum sentence to be served before being eligible for parole will move from twenty (20) years to fifty (50) years.
- The mandatory minimum sentence to be served for non-capital murder before being eligible for parole, where a sentence of a term of years is given from ten (10) years to twenty (20) years
- Under the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act, it increases the term of years to be deemed as “life imprisonment” from thirty (30) years to fifty (50) years for murder.
- For the amended Child Care and Protection Act, if the child is convicted of capital murder, he/she shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for life or to a term not less than thirty (30) years. However, in either case, he/she will be eligible for parole after serving fifteen (15) years.
- If the child is convicted of non-capital murder, he/she shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for life or for such other term as the court considers appropriate.
- The court will have the latitude to determine the years that must be served before the child becomes eligible for parole.
Minister Chuck said the Government remains committed to justice, not vengeance.
“We also recognize that the punishment for murder must serve as a clear and unequivocal signal that the sanctity of life is paramount, and those who take it unlawfully must face serious consequences. At the same time, the provisions of the Bill are carefully designed to be proportionate, constitutional, and respectful of the rights of all persons, including the right to due process and the possibility of rehabilitation in cases where it is genuinely warranted.”
Minister Chuck continued: “Every Jamaican has the right to feel safe in their home, in their community, and in their country. If we are to uphold that right, we must ensure that our laws are firm, fair, and responsive to the challenges we face. These Bills are not the sole answer to the crime problem, but they are a necessary part of the solution, a signal that the State takes seriously its duty to protect life and uphold justice.”
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The Profitability of Crime: A Call for Change.
ReplyDeleteAs Jamaica considers extending life sentences for convicted murderers, concerns arise about the potential benefits for private prison franchises.
The ultimate solution may lie in more severe penalties, such as the death sentence, as seen in Singapore.
A country with a remarkably low murder rate of 0.07 per 100,000 thevworlds lowest.
There were 4 murders in 2024.
In Jamaica, the glorification of murder and violence has become a lucrative industry.
"Murdertainment" has spawned celebrities and fueled a culture of aggression.
Meanwhile, taxpayers foot the bill for the upkeep of convicted murderers, estimated at approximately US$10,000 per annum.
Private prison franchises on the horizon could increase this cost to US$25,000 per prisoner.
This raises questions about the profitability of the crime industry.
To address this issue, i suggest designating "murder music" and similar content as subversive literature, with severe penalties for performances and promotions.
This approach has been adopted in some European countries, which boast some of the lowest murder rates globally.
As Jamaica navigates the complexities of crime and punishment, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of policy decisions.
Who will benefit from prison franchises i know is on the horizon.
At what cost to society?.
By prioritizing justice and accountability, we can work towards creating a safer, more prosperous Jamaica.
Can severe penalties alone be a deterrent effectively reducing crime/murder rates?
How can we balance punishment with humane treatment and rehabilitation?That brings in Human Rights expect a few howls.
Regarding the Cultural impact. What role does "murder music" play in shaping societal attitudes towards violence?
A balance between human rights ,justice and national security working together is desirable.
JFJ,JDF,JCF and perhaps DBF ie DONs for a Better Jamaica where they are alive and still exist.
By examining these questions and exploring solutions, we can strive towards a more just and secure society for all Jamaicans.
mics 🖊 pen
30/04/25