Security Minister takes steps to determine whether to resume hanging

National Security Minister Robert Montague says his ministry is taking steps to determine whether hanging can be resumed in Jamaica.

He was speaking today at the graduation ceremony for 334 police constables from the National Police College in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

Montague said the resumption of hanging would send a message to criminals that the punishment for breaking the law is severe and just.

When asked by journalists if international partners would oppose the resumption of hanging, Montague said he was sure they would support the move.

The national security minister was speaking in the aftermath of the slaying of a policewoman and the injury of another cop within a 24-hour period.

Hanging is still legal in Jamaica but the last one was carried out in 1988.

The resumption of hanging has been affected by a 1993 Privy Council ruling that it is unconstitutional to have persons waiting for more than five years after sentencing to be executed.