The amendments to the bail act passed in the House of Assembly yesterday are getting support from the private sector but have come under fire from opposition and independent Senators in the Upper Chamber and from the Bar Association.

The amendments prohibit the granting of bail to people accused of murder or firearm offences, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

When the bill reached the Senate today Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, Senator Chad Blackman, led off debate saying the move signals a zero tolerance to crime and shows government’s determination to ensure the law protects the interests of society.

Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, Senator Chad Blackman.

But Opposition Senator Tricia Watson blasted the bill saying it erodes constitutional rights and accused government of trying to sneak it through the parliament.

Opposition Senator Tricia Watson.

Meantime, Independent Senator, Monique Taitt, was equally critical of the bill saying that government should have shared it with stakeholders in the legal community for their input before bringing it to Parliament.

Independent Senator Monique Taitt.

The Barbados Bar Association wants the bail bill to go to a joint select committee before being enacted.

In a media conference this afternoon, members of the bar said that the bail act must be assessed by those experienced in criminal law before being passed.

Senior Member of the Council of the Bar Association Kristine Turton asked for more consultation.

Convenor of the Criminal Law Committee, Martie Garnes says the Bar is disappointed about the way the bill was dealt with by government.

Convenor of the Criminal Law Committee, of the Barbados Bar Association, Martie Garnes.