PRESS RELEASE - Gang violence has been fueling many violent encounters and serious crimes on the island, particularly among male youth.
In recent times the authorities have sought to address the issue at the highest levels in order to send a clear message that gang activity will not be tolerated. The Anti-Gang Act, No.4 of 2014 is one aspect of the strategy aimed at addressing gang activity and ensuring safe communities.
The Anti–Gang Act No. 4 of 2014 criminalizes gang related activity. These include gang membership, facilitating gang-related criminal activities, advising gangs, and recruiting for gangs.
The law establishes stiff penalties for gang activity, with most punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment if convicted in a court.
It is also an indictable offence if someone commits an offence for someone to commit an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a gang.
The act makes an offence for a person to have a bullet proof vest, firearm, ammunition or any equipment, instrument, material or other device , whether lawfully obtained or not , with the intention that it may be used in committing an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a gang . A person who commits an offence under section 4 is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $100,000.00 and imprisonment of 10 years.
The act makes it an offence to aid and abet, directly or indirectly any person to commit an offence identified under the Act. If convicted that person is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for 10 years.
Further, the act stipulates that the Court may impose a more severe penalty on the convicted person, if certain factors or conditions existed in the commission of the offence.
These include where:
* The person who was aided or abetted, or who was prevented from leaving the gang, was a minor at the time of the offence;
* The offence involved gang-related activity within one mile of a school or place of worship or health institutions;
* The person convicted was a law enforcement officer at the time the offence was committed; or
* The person convicted is a gang leader.
Young persons should make positive choices in respect of the activities in which they engage. Joining gangs and engaging in gang activities should be avoided as this could lead to many years of incarceration.
Communities must support and encourage young persons to lead positive lives and denounce drugs, gangs and violence. Let us join together for the development of Saint Lucia.