The Attorney General’s Chambers is currently reviewing the Anti-Gang Act with the aim of strengthening the legislation so it can serve as a more effective crime-fighting tool.
Despite being enacted with severe penalties, including fines up to EC$300,000 and prison terms of up to 20 years for gang leadership, the law has been notably underutilised since its inception.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has consistently pointed to significant challenges in applying the legislation within its current framework, resulting in only a handful of cases being brought forward.
Speaking on the sidelines of Parliament on Tuesday, Attorney General Leslie Mondesir confirmed the matter is being actively addressed.
“As of now, we are looking at the old anti-gang legislation to review it and beefing it up, giving it more teeth so the police can apply that piece of legislation in the crime fighting efforts of the government,” Mondesir said.
The act was created to curb gang activity by criminalising behaviours such as membership, recruitment, aiding and abetting, or providing support to gangs. It also gives the courts tools to impose penalties such as fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of benefits. and consecutive sentencing.
Convictions carry stiff penalties: gang membership or leadership can result in fines of up to EC$300,000 and prison terms of up to 20 years; aiding or abetting gang-related offences can lead to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to EC$100,000; and committing or preparing to commit offences for the benefit of a gang carries similar penalties, with aggravating factors potentially increasing sentences.
