Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, believes judges should impose life sentences, on persons found guilty of serious criminal offences.

He says, this will send the right signal, stating that criminals who behave in a heartless manner, should be put away for a long time.

The country has been experiencing a spike in murders, with more than 100 people killed since the start of the year. The government has responded by imposing Zones of Special Operations in some communities.

Police have also heightened operational activities, seizing a number of weapons, since the start of the year.

Mr Chuck states that life in prison, should be the initial sentence for serious crimes.

The justice minister says, the state means business in the fight against crime.

He adds, that persons found guilty of firearm possession–or–use, could avoid life in prison, if they are helpful to the prosecution’s case.

He was speaking on Sunday at the National Service of Thanksgiving, which signalled the official start of Restorative Justice Week 2022.

It’s being commemorated under the theme “Crime prevention, through restorative justice is everybody’s business”.

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