President Irfaan Ali has called for a serious review of the death penalty as a possible response to heinous crimes after the body of six-year-old was found among other debris near the canal by the sea dam in Bath Settlement, Berbice on Tuesday.
Ali said he has already asked the Attorney General to examine the issue, arguing that certain crimes demand a stronger response from the justice system.
“No, it’s atrocious. You know, as president, you have to deal with many things. But what took place there is not only heinous, you can’t be human,” President Ali said
Police said Bharrat Jaikarran, the father of the six-year-old child, is the prime suspect and remains in custody
The police said that the body of the child was found after investigators obtained information including additional surveillance footage showing the child’s father travelling on a motorcycle towards the canal with what appeared to be his son before returning later without him.
President Ali said the incident, along with other crimes of an extreme nature, has prompted him to consider whether existing penalties are sufficient to deter such acts and convey the seriousness with which society views them.
While acknowledging the human rights considerations surrounding capital punishment, the head of state maintained that the country must confront the question of how best to respond to crimes that shock the conscience of the nation.
“I believe that, you know, we really need to look at this,” he said, stressing that the judicial process must take its course.
But he said once justice has been served, the country should consider whether more severe penalties are warranted in the most extreme cases.
Asked directly whether he believed the death penalty was the stronger measure required, President Ali responded emphatically: “One hundred per cent.” (CMC)