Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to remove the prison superintendent’s authority to reduce inmates’ sentences by one-third as part of a broader push for tougher penalties.

Speaking during the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said he has instructed Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin to curtail the superintendent’s powers.

“Commencing next week, I’ve advised the attorney general to cut the powers of the prison superintendent,” Browne said. “Going forward, he will not have the opportunity to give any one-third rebate.”

Browne criticised the practice of reducing sentences for prisoners who maintain good behaviour, arguing that simply avoiding fights or other misconduct should not automatically qualify an inmate for early release.

Instead, he proposed increasing the time served by prisoners who fight or engage in other acts of misconduct while incarcerated.

“If you get in a fight in the prison or any bad behaviour, you spend additional time,” Browne said.

The prime minister argued that reductions granted by the courts and prison authorities could combine to leave people convicted of serious crimes serving only a fraction of their original sentences.

He said the issue is particularly concerning in cases involving firearm crimes, sexual offences and repeat offenders.

Browne also argued that short sentences undermine rehabilitation by limiting the time available to provide persistent offenders with training, treatment and other support before they return to society.

The government also plans to approach Parliament to increase maximum sentences and introduce minimum penalties for serious gun and sexual offences.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: Prison Superintendent to Lose Power to Reduce Sentences for Good Behaviour, PM Proposes Extra Time for Misconduct.