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published: Friday | February 2, 2007 <DIV class=KonaBody Q4HiA="true">
Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
Smith
WESTERN BUREAU:
In the wake of the spiralling crime wave across the country, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is promising that it will resume hanging if it forms the next government.
Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, gave the assurance last night, while addressing a G2K meeting at the Montego Bay Civic Centre in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay. The meeting was held under the theme 'Restoring Peace and Safety in our Community'.
Harsher penalties
Said Smith: "There will be harsher penalties for repeat offenders involved in serious and violent crimes. They can't expect to be incarcerated today and come out tomorrow. We have to find a method to put them away for good".
The JLP, he said, would ensure that all convicted murderers who have exhausted all legal channels would be brought to the gallows within the five-year period that is allowed for them to be hanged.
When asked how the JLP would deal with the concerns of human rights groups which are against hanging, Mr. Smith said: "The government has a job to do and it will do it." Outlining that the People's National Party Government had not carried out the death penalty within the last 17 years, Mr. Smith described them as "cowards".
He also reiterated a JLP position of an improved justice system that would see cases being disposed of within a maximum of six months after being brought before the courts.
Mr. Smith said a JLP Government would find the $6 billion that is needed to properly equip the police force. He said studies had revealed that this amount was needed to make the force efficient.
"We are going to make the portfolio of national security priority within our budget within the first three years of our administration. The funding will provide the mobility, access to modern technology, forensic science, improved police accommodation and increase of salaries for police personnel," Smith promised.
He said the money would be realised from other public sector agencies if necessary. He noted that the JLP would need the support of all agencies and the wider society and that the party was prepared to appeal to the populace.
"The Jamaica Labour Party is committed to rebuilding the police force and will bring it up to a 21st Century standard and will rid the force of corrupt cops at all level," he said.</DIV>
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