Ellington makes case for criminalisation of gang symbols and gang-related lyrics

The issue of the criminalization of gang symbols and gang-related lyrics in songs again came up for discussion Wednesday as the Parliamentary Committee examining the Criminal Justice Bill listened to a presentation from the police. Among other things, the Bill seeks to criminalize the production or recording of songs that promote or facilitate the activities of a criminal gang.

Owen Ellington, Commissioner of Police, in his presentation to the Committee, declared that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) sees the enactment of this clause in the legislation as a possible deterrence to gang activity.

“It is still okay to be a member of a gang; it is still okay to declare yourself a gangster for life, it is still okay to wear gang symbols, markings tattoos…everything…nothing is wrong with it. It is promoted in our music, it is promoted in some strange places and it is actually challenging the culture of the communities,” asserted Commissioner Ellington.

Giving examples of these songs by playing them for committee members, he stated that the expressions contribute to the festering of a gang culture.

However during Wednesday’s meeting some committee members said careful judgement had to be used in enacting legislation targeting gang symbols and gang-related lyrics. They pointed to possible infringement on certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of expression.