ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – A government legislator has called on the judiciary to “step up” and apply the relevant laws aimed at dissuading people from getting involved or engaging in gun-related crimes.
“I think the judiciary needs to step up and ensure that it is doing its part to enforce the law, especially when gun cases do occur. I think it is a big travesty to say that the government, the legislators, did their part to pass the Bill…and when it comes to certain high-profile criminals, that they are receiving no jail time,” said Ron Redhead, who is also the parliamentary representative for the constituency of St George North East.
Speaking on the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) “To-the-Point” programme, Redhead, a former minister of youth, told viewers that he was concerned that some of the people who are arrested and charged for gun related offences “continue to remain on the streets, and they continue in some instances to fuel and influence what is taking place”.
Police say they have seen an increase in gun-related crimes since 2023, and last year, the government successfully tabled an amendment to the Firearm Act, increasing the penalty and fines for gun-related offenses as well as prohibiting magistrates from setting bail for persons charged with gun-related crimes.
The Firearm Act Amendment Act of 2024, which went into effect on August last year, allows the High Court to grant bail, and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell had described the new legislation as draconian, providing for a maximum jail term of 40 years.
and then 