| KINGSTON, March 31 (JIS): |
 As
Government continues to implement measures to curb crime and violence,
a new firearm-licensing regime is to be introduced, which will involve
the use of technology to improve the management of the licensing process
as well as the national firearms inventory. In addition, an independent central authority will be established to exercise more stringent control over the issuing and renewal of licenses and the Firearms Act will be amended accordingly. Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, in his Throne Speech at the State Opening of Parliament today, explained that the new licensing regime was part of Government’s efforts during the new legislative year, to strengthen laws and regulations relating to public order and crime management. As such, new regulations and amendments to existing Acts will very shortly be passed to govern the operation of route taxis and new measures will be put in place to reduce violent crimes involving taxicabs and to reduce breaches of the Road Traffic Act. In addition, there will be amendments to the education regulations and new policies related to guidance counseling and curriculum changes, while disciplinary measures will be adopted in schools to reduce violence among students. In
continuation of the fight against local and international criminals
and in support of the worldwide thrust to combat terrorism, legislation
related to the forfeiture of the proceeds to crime, terrorism prevention
and plea-bargaining would also be adopted. |
