Cabinet to sign off on new tougher anti gang law

The Government is moving one step closer to implementing anti-gang legislation.

Senator Dwight Nelson, Minister of National Security, says the Bruce Golding administration will in a few days sign off on the bills to be brought to Parliament.

He made the disclosure while addressing the first day of the Jamaica Police Federation's annual conference in Ocho Rios, St. Ann on Wednesday.

Senator Nelson declared that the provisions of the proposed laws will be tougher than those which exist in the six anti-crime bills.

Senator Nelson said the Government is gearing up to face criticism from human rights groups.

The National Security Minister explained that the provisions are aimed at rooting out and discouraging organised criminal activities.

“It is before Cabinet now … Cabinet should have discussed it on Monday but we will discuss it next Monday. (This new law) is the law of laws, the law that will make the crime bills look like Sunday school text,” Senator Nelson told the delegates at the Federation conference.

Drop in crime not linked to Dudus’ capture

Meanwhile, the Security Minister has dismissed claims that the capturing of Christopher "Dudus" Coke has resulted in a sharp decline in criminal activities.

“I find this to be a gross insult to the security forces because you have been relentless in your fight to impose strategies to prevent a return of the crisis situation that existed before and to which (Peter) Bunting, (Opposition Spokesman on National Security) alluded. I agree with Mr. Bunting that we must recognize and congratulate the security forces because it is the security forces that are responsible for the reduction in murders,” Senator Nelson added.