Jamaica nearer to hanging

Legislators in the Senate are now closer to voting on whether to abolish the death penalty in Jamaica.



Minister without Portfolio in the Finance and Public Service Ministry, Don Wehby was among senators who contributed to the death penalty debate this morning.



He cited numerous instances of what he called brutal murders and said the perpetrators must be executed.



However, he says convicted murders should be executed in a manner less inhumane than hanging.



Another Government Senator, Tom Tavares-Finson believes there is competence in the local judicial system to carry out fair trials and executions.



But he said he could not support the retention of the death penalty.



According to Senator Tavares-Finson capital punishment would not guarantee a reduction in crimes.



For his part the Mayor of Kingston, Senator Desmond McKenzie said he would not apologise for his support for retaining the death penalty.



He says serious politicians have a duty to ensure the security of their constituents.



Today, a man was hung in St. Kitts for the first time in ten years.



Read the full story in the regional section of the LATEST news section.