By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

DNA leader Branville McCartney yesterday called on the government to do what is necessary to enforce the death penalty – even if it means “getting rid of the Privay Council”.

In a press statement, Mr McCartney said the government needs to act now and declare a war on crime, no matter what it takes.

“These criminally minded persons who commit murder, having malice aforethought against anyone must meet their maker.

“The only thing these hardened criminals will understand is a rope around their necks.

“A system must be put in place so that if a murder is committed and the police apprehend the suspect a court is specifically designated to hear those cases ASAP,” he said.

It is vital that the government demonstrates to criminals that if they commit a crime, they will be dealt with expeditiously, Mr McCartney said.

“It has now become commonplace to hear of three murders in one day. We hear daily of robberies, burglaries, thefts, assaults, drug trafficking and the list goes on and on. And there are many other crimes we simply do not hear of such as incest, rapes, domestic violence, stealing in the course of employment, and, yes the list goes on and on.

“We are a small country infested with crime so much so that we live in paradise but we are paralysed by fear. The criminally minded just simply do not care because there are no consequences for their actions. They say that they can do the crime and avoid the time,” he said.

Mr McCarntey also criticised the government for “wasting time” meeting with religious groups and church leaders.

He said: “Now, I have heard some talk recently about the government meeting with the official opposition, church leaders, community leaders, to form a strategy to rid this country of crime. In my view, this is a waste of time. There have been numerous crime reports, select committee reports on crime, seminars and forums, all for nought.

“The government only needs the political will to deal with this crime issue. Now is the time to exercise that political will for the sake of our country.”