The House of Assembly has today been debating an emergency amendment that will prohibit bail for people charged for murder or firearm offenses unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Leading off the debate, Attorney General Dale Marshall, admitted concern over a spike in homicides this year.

He noted that there have been 26 homicides so far for 2024 compared to 21 for all of last year and stated that 17 of the killings involved firearms.

Government has also previously stated that several of the victims or perpetrators have been people who were out on bail.

Mr. Marshall says government expects there may be constitutional challenges to the amendment but they are determined to take action.

Mr. Marshall says that while the homicide numbers are a concern, crime fighters have redoubled their efforts and are seeing results.

Attorney General Dale Marshall.

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However, Opposition leader Ralph Thorne told the House of Assembly that government’s approach doesn’t go far enough in tackling crime and its underlying issues.

He also described the legislation as cowardly and felt the attempt was destined to fail.

Opposition leader Ralph Thorne.

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Meantime, Opposition senator Tricia Watson has again accused government of trying to rush the amendment through parliament and  complained about the way the matter is being handled by the state.

This was an accusation rejected yesterday by the government side who noted that the senators were invited to a briefing last Friday and said none of the two opposition senators turned up.

However, Senator Watson insists that there was inadequate notice to senators of bills to be debated.  She says this is unacceptable.

Opposition senator Tricia Watson