$54 milion for gun fight in Ontario, Canada

Breaking News

As gun violence In Ontario, Canada threatens to reach crisis proportions the authorities are taking the fight to the gun shooters.

So far the police are reporting that there have been 285 shootings recorded year to date. Of this number 50 shootings this weekend alone … resulting in 3 deaths.

The statistics for shootings last year is 400.
They are putting in the resources to attempt to stem the growing lawlessness in the city. For example: Shots rang out at the parade to congratulate the Raptors win of the Basket Ball World Series in Toronto earlier this year.

This weekend alone there were six shootings … as stated above there were 3 deaths from such shootings … the police have reported.

This year there are fewer deaths from shootings when compared to 2018.

Bail Hearings

There has been a review of the strategies to tackle the problem. Bail hearings are being reviewed as it is found that those on bail have been involved in further shootings even as they await trial for their current shooting charge that resulted in them being bailed in the first place.

Perennial Problem

In Jamaica our Justice Minister Honourable Delroy Chuck has spoken about this problem in the past. Attorney General Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte has vowed to restrict bail to suspects on gun related charges. The former National Security Minister Hon. Robert Montague has been strident on the matter of bail to suspects. He quoted actual figures to support his claim that suspects on bail have repeatedly reoffended.

Commentary

Bail Is A Right

There is the solid argument that restricting the movements of a suspect may be a violation of the suspects constitutional rights. The information that formed the basis for the allegations may be found to be false. A suspect under our system of justice is presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Canada and Jamaica have similar justice systems.

By: Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is SIC for Vision Newspaper Canada.