Trinidadians debate hangings

Public discussion is now rife in Trinidad and Tobago on whether the recently elected government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar should resume hangings.



The issue was re-ignited earlier this month when the prime minister and senior members of her Cabinet indicated that they were not averse to resuming capital punishment.



Works and Transport Minister, Austin Jack Warner, one of the senior ministers, said that the Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, had been asked to make a presentation to the Cabinet on the issue.



The local bar association and some civic groups have already expressed objection to a resumption of hanging in the twin island republic, arguing that this form of punishment is inhumane.



The Persad Bissessar led government is considering resuming hanging in response to an increase in crime.



The last execution in Trinidad was carried out in 1999, when Anthony Briggs was sent to the gallows for the murder of a taxi driver in 1992.