Sex offenders could have their names on registry for 10 years
November 04, 2008
CONVICTED SEX offenders could soon have their names splashed across Jamaica's towns and communities for at least 10 years.
The Gleaner has been reliably informed that the drafted sex offenders legislation proposes that the names of persons convicted of sex crimes be placed on the sex offenders' registry for life.
However, the offender's name may be removed from the registry if there is no recurrence of sexual crime within 10 years.
Speedy debate
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has promised that the sex offenders bill would be debated by month end. He is also hopeful that it would come into law by Christmas.
"The cooperation of members will be sought for speedy debate and early passage," Golding said in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
He was responding to questions tabled by opposition backbencher, Sharon Hay-Webster. The South Central St Catherine member of parliament questioned whether Government was committed to establishing the sex offenders' registry.
Golding told the House that the draft bill had been completed and had been circulated to stakeholders for comment. It is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, at which time the prime minister said he hoped Parliament would work overtime to get it passed.
"I am going to urge members, let us meet Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday to deal with it," Golding said.
Monitoring arm
Informed sources say the sex offenders' registry will have a monitoring arm that will keep a watch on all registered sex offenders.
Under the proposed legislation, a sex offender who transplants himself from one part of the country to another will have his history brought to the attention of institutions such as police stations and schools so they can keep an eye out for him....
Author: Daraine Luton
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
