Rattray hopes capital punishment is retained

Meanwhile, at least one church leader is hoping the members of parliament will vote to retain the death penalty.



President and CEO of Errol Rattray Evangelistic Association, Errol Rattray says where it can be proven beyond doubt that a person has carried out premeditated murder, such an individual should forfeit his life.



Evangelist Rattray says the current level of violent crimes in the country proves that drastic action must be taken.



Meanwhile, the Independent Jamaican Council For Human Rights (IJCHR) is cautioning the government against any plans to amend the constitution to remove fundamental human rights provisions, which it currently secures.



The IJCHR is taking issue with a proposed amendment to section 17 of the constitution which states that no person shall be subjected to torture or to inhumane or degrading punishment or other treatment.



The proposed amendment would essentially remove this provision from some persons on death row.