Two new bills have been introduced to the Belize National Assembly, in response to public outcry over what some have dubbed to be “draconian” provisions introduced for the Firearms Act and the Crime Control and Prevention Act in 2008 and 2010. Despite the revisions in law, major crimes in Belize have been increasing, but the most salient concerns were over provisions which have cast so wide a net that many innocent parties have also been negatively affected, facing a minimum of two weeks behind bars before they could even apply for bail.
The proposed bills introduced on Friday and available below, will have to be debated before they finally become law.
FIREARMS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2014
AN ACT to amend the Firearms Act, Chapter 143 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000-2003, to rationalise the evidential provisions relating to the possession of a firearm or ammunition; to relieve hardship in genuine cases; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. SEE FULL BILL>>
AN ACT to amend the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act, Chapter 102 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000-2003, to modify the provisions relating to the grant of bail by the Supreme Court for certain offences; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. SEE FULL BILL>>