The Government has begun consultations on proposed changes to three major laws, with plans to introduce tougher penalties for offences involving firearms, drugs and gang-related activities.
Minister of National Security Michel Chebat named the Firearms Act, the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act as the legislation being considered for amendment, repeal or replacement.
Among the proposed changes are mandatory custodial sentences, including for first-time offenders, provisions to cover synthetic drugs that are not currently addressed under existing legislation, and clearer guidelines for courts when interpreting and sentencing gang-related offences.
The proposals would also allow minors who commit major crimes to be charged as adults. At the same time, the Government intends to increase penalties for adults who recruit or use minors to carry out criminal activities.
“These adults are taking advantage of vulnerable young people, luring them into a life of crime and despair,” Chebat said.
The Government also plans to introduce a Second Chance programme targeting young people between the ages of 15 and 23. The initiative is expected to involve several government ministries, along with churches, non-governmental organisations and the business community.
The programme is intended to give young people an alternative to criminal activity as the Government considers allowing minors who commit major crimes to be charged as adults.
“This is not where we want to go, and that is why we will be implementing our Second Chance program, because we believe in our young people, and we must do all we can to save them from a life of crime,” Chebat said.
The reforms remain at the consultation stage, and no details were provided during the briefing on when the proposed legislative changes could be introduced.
