“Stiffer penalties for prisoners and wardens who facilitate crimes from lockups” -PM

Racquel A. McKenzie

1 year ago

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Prime Minister Holness has posited that stiffer penalties will be implemented for both wardens and prisoners who challenge the law by operating criminal networks and order killings and extortions from behind bars.

While disclosing elements of the Government’s crime plan on Sunday at the 79th annual JLP conference, Prime Minister Holness also noted that the Government will be submitting legislation in the next fiscal year to combat the corrupt acts of Correctional Officers.

In addition to this notion, Prime Minister Holness also added that talks are being had with United States Authorities to target Jamaican dons that are influencing crime in the country.

“There are several loopholes in our system which we will be closing. We have been engaging with our US counterparts in discussions on further measures that could be taken to stem the flow of illegal guns into Jamaica.” He noted.

“I have put to our US friends the need to require greater identification for persons sending packages to Jamaica from the US. We will also be opening discussions with our US friends to have special operations to target Jamaican dons overseas who are using their resources and influence to solicit and direct murders here in Jamaica ” he added.

As such, Prime Minister Holness alluded that a high security prison will be built to house criminals so that they will not be able to influence crime and murders on the outside.

“It has been on the books for some time, but we just didn’t finalize the plans and the cost. I have given instruction that the high-security facility with communications dead spot be built as a project of strategic national interest ” he outlined.