Anti-Gang Bill Proposes 25-Year Sentence for Gang Activity

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Davis administration tabling a new Anti-Gang Bill that states that a person convicted of gang involvement would be liable to a $100,000 fine and a 25-year prison term.

Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard says there is a need for harsher penalties.

Gang members found guilty of one or more of the 15 offenses in the bill would be subject to the specified penalty.

Gang activities listed in the legislation include recruiting someone to join a gang, committing an offense for the financial benefit of a gang, instructing a gang member to commit a serious offense, threatening someone in retaliation, among other things.

Under the bill, if someone dies as a result of gang activity, the person responsible for the killing would face life in prison.

The bill also allows for a prison term for people who harbor gang leaders or members, including parents of children engaged in the activity. This carries a prison term of up to 20 years.

A person who commits retaliation against someone, their relative, friends, associates, or property would face up to 20 years in prison.

Pintard believes the legislation will need a well-rounded approach.