The government and the opposition Progressive Liberal Party, PLP, are at odds over the proper fit to combat crime following this year’s record 104 murders.

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has outlined a range of measures including a one-month gun amnesty, stiffer penalties and a volunteer programme, but the PLP said the measures are “woefully inadequate.”

On Monday, the prime minister gave residents with illegal firearms until October 5 to turn them in to the police.

“After the 4th November anyone convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition will, upon conviction, be imprisoned for a minimum of four years,” he warned in a national address.

“I highlight the fact that the power of magistrates to impose sentences is being increased from five to seven years and that conviction on drug and gun related offences may attract the maximum sentence of seven years.”

Read more: http://bit.ly/oIoWhy