Friday August 27,

National Security Minister John Sandy believes the death penalty will reduce the murder rate. Sandy said so while responding to reporters at yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference.

He said although he had not reviewed any proper data, he strongly believed the death penalty would deter murders. He cited the pleas of murder accused Anton Marvin Gaye and Layne Williams who on Wednesday pleaded with Senior Magistrate Gillian David-Scotland not to send them to the Remand Yard of the Golden Grove Prison in Arouca because they feared for their lives.

The two are charged with the killing of Freeport accountant Neeshad Ali. Sandy said when faced with the prospect of death, criminals would appreciate the value of life and fight to avoid dying. 

“I know from experience that when our so-called criminals are about to face the death penalty, they go at length to try anything in the book to stay alive,” he said.

He said, however, he did not believe that every person found guilty of murder should be given the death penalty. Sandy said each case should be analysed carefully and the sentence should be given accordingly.