Barbados Government Announces Plan to Revise Bail Act Regarding Murder and Serious Offences Amid Rising Crime Rates
July 6, 2024
Government plans to amend the Bail Act to prevent bail for murder and serious offence suspects within a specific timeframe. Prime Minister Mottley announced this amid Barbados' rising murder rates. State appeals a 2021 court decision on bail eligibility.
Government plans to go back to change the Bail Act so people charged with murder and serious offences would not get bail within a certain time.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley revealed the move yesterday as Barbados battles with an explosion in murders – five in seven days up to Thursday.
The State has appealed the 2021 decision by Justice Shona Griffith in the case of Lamar Antonio Jones vs the Attorney General challenging the constitutionality of Section 5(a) of the Bail (Amendment) Act 2019 which forced the courts to remand persons charged with murder or serious firearm offences for 24 months before they could qualify for bail. (CLM)
