The House of Representatives has approved the Anti-Gang Bill 2024, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at upholding public order and safety by deterring individuals from joining criminal gangs and by penalizing gang-related activities.

This comprehensive bill encompasses a range of offenses, including but not limited to participating in a gang, recruiting members, sheltering gang affiliates, and possessing firearms, bulletproof vests, or ammunition for gang-related purposes. Additionally, the bill grants police the authority to make arrests without a warrant under specific circumstances.

Moreover, the bill mandates that individuals serve a minimum of 50% of the maximum sentence imposed under this Act. Furthermore, it requires that sentences be served consecutively, as opposed to concurrently. This means that if an individual is convicted of an offense carrying a 10-year sentence and another with a 7-year sentence, they would serve a total of 17 years (consecutively) rather than 10 years (concurrently).

During the legislative process, the Prime Minister, Hon. Gaston Browne, the Sir Steadroy Cutie Benjamin Knighted, and other esteemed members of the House engaged in a vigorous debate on the Anti-Gang Bill 2024.