GOVERNMENT CRAFTS PRISON REFORM PLAN AS LONGER SENTENCES BECKON

Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne has directed the attorney general and prison officials to produce a full reform programme for His Majesty’s Prison in 30 days.

The directive came at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, two days after the House of Representatives passed tougher penalties for serious firearm offences and sexual offences against minors.

Prime Minister Browne told his cabinet colleagues the government will need to plan for a possible increase in the prison population, arising from the strengthened sentencing framework.

Samantha Simon reports.