Crime bill committee to wrap up deliberations

The joint select committee set up to examine six anti-crime bills proposed by the government to help curb crime is this week expected to wrap up deliberations.



The committee is expected to meet today to continue discussions.



Over the last weeks the committee has invited submissions from the Bar Association of Jamaica, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, human rights groups and several other interested groups.



Discussions surrounding the bill have sparked several heated debates, but with the last of the groups making its submission last week, members of the committee are this week expected to try to arrive at a common position.



Among the bills being debated is an amendment to the Bail Act, which would see persons being denied bail for up to 60 days under certain circumstances.



Prime Minister Bruce Golding put forward the proposals after being faced with mounting pressure to come up with a credible crime plan earlier this year.