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Jamaica seeks to enforce harsher penalties for gun crimes

Xinhua, July 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Jamaica seeks to increase the mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes to combat a new wave of shooting spree, the official Jamaica Information Service reported Thursday.

Noticing the majority of crimes in the country are gun-related, Minister of National Security Robert Montague said the government wants to "create a wedge" between the community and criminals who possess guns.

"We will seek to have all gun murders classified as capital," Montague said, adding that psychology and soft talk can not get through to "these dog-hearted fellows."

Monetary reward given to those who provide credible information on gun crimes will also be increased, according to the report.

In the meantime, the minister said more resources are being put in place to tackle the escalating crime rate, particularly in western parishes, including St. James, whose capital city Montego Bay is the most popular tourist destination in Jamaica.

The government has taken measures to enhance the intelligence network, expand the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, establish a mobile reserve, create additional training space, and establish a coastguard base, the report said.

The minister's announcement came after a new wave of gun crimes in St. James that has shocked the island.

Last Tuesday, 11 people were shot in the parish, with four of them killed. Three days later, another nine persons were shot by gunmen in a driving-by shooting, which left three casualties. Endi