November 20, 2020
Griffith Voices Disappointment Over Opposition’s Refusal To Support Anti-Gang Legislation
“Gang leaders could advertise to have persons join gangs now.”
This was the sentiment shared by Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, who did not hesitate to express his disappointment over the Opposition’s refusal to support the Anti-Gang legislation in the House of Representatives on Friday.
Griffith said those on the Opposition bench will have to answer for denying police the extra teeth needed to tackle gang violence in this country.
All 19 members on the Opposition bench abstained the vote on Friday evening, thus blocking the passage of the bill with the needed three fifth majority.
“Unfortunately, petty politics yet again takes precedence over doing what is right for the country. It seems that this Bill was an issue for some politicians. Heaven forbid, if and when gang related murders increase, I hope that those who rejected the Bill would be prepared to answer to their God and the citizens of this country,” Griffith said in a brief statement.
The last bill which was passed in 2018 included a sunset clause stating: “This Act shall continue in force for a period of 30 months from the 29th day of November 2020.”