President of the Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA), ASP Gideon Dickson, expressed his support for the tightening of bail regulations for individuals charged with murder. In an interview with Newsday on July 1, Dickson emphasized the importance of ensuring justice prevails in such serious cases. Later that same day, the House of Representatives commenced discussions on the Bail (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Attorney General Reginald Armour introduced the bill, which aims to amend the Bail Act 1994. Garnering support from the Opposition, the bill required a three-fifths majority for approval.
Following the recent Privy Council ruling in the case of Akili Charles v State (2022), the bill seeks to restrict bail for individuals facing serious charges. The Law Lords ruled that judges or masters have the discretion to grant bail to those accused of murder, prompting the need for stricter bail conditions.
The amended bill focuses on limiting bail for individuals charged with serious offences listed in Part II of the First Schedule, including firearm-related offences. Offences punishable by at least a ten-year prison sentence fall under this category, spanning acts related to the Anti-Gang Act, Dangerous Drugs Act, Kidnapping Act, and other relevant legislations.
Furthermore, the bill places a significant burden on individuals accused of murder and firearm-related crimes, requiring them to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify being granted bail.
In order to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the legislation, the bill mandates a review every five years from its implementation.
In response to inquiries, Dickson highlighted the importance of reviewing laws to meet the evolving needs of society. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in the legal system, he expressed concerns over the perception created when murder accused individuals move in and out of court easily.
Dickson praised the bill’s rigorous measures, emphasizing the need for justice to be swift and decisive. He urged a balance between affording accused individuals their fair trial rights while protecting law-abiding citizens from potential threats.
Calling for an end to the cycle of crime and impunity, Dickson emphasized the urgency of addressing the flaws within the current judicial system to ensure the safety and security of the community.
