Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORTLAND:
POLICE COMMISSIONER, Lucius Thomas is urging Justices of the Peace to join the police in lobbying the government to urgently strengthen certain legislation that would assist in the fight against crime.
"The fight against serious crimes are being severely hampered by stalled legislation", said Commissioner Thomas.
He was addressing a meeting of the Portland Lay Magistrates' Association at the Frenchman's Cove Hotel in the parish on Saturday.
According to Commissioner Thomas, the legislation relate to money laundering, the illegal drug trade and gun smuggling.
BREEDING GROUND FOR CRIME
"Money laundering, gang related crimes and drugs are the breeding ground for crime and violence. And a high percentage of murder which are being committed, are connected to gang related fights over turf and drugs," he said.
Commissioner Thomas said while the police have tried their best to curtail crime, the issue of inadequate legislation had become frustrating.
He now wants the Justices of the Peace to pressure the Opposition and the Government to speedily pass the 'Proceeds of Crime Act' which will make it more difficult for persons associated with criminals, or those involved in criminal activities to benefit from the gains of the illicit practices.
"The laws which have served us well for the past 50 years are no longer suitable to combat these problems, and therefore needs to be amended", he said.
