The Government has laid a Community Service Bill before Parliament, which was read for the first time on Wednesday, March 4. 

The bill seeks to ensure that persons convicted of minor offences serve their sentences through community service.  

Presenting the explanatory memorandum, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister of the Interior, explained that the measure was intended to decongest the country’s prisons, while promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.   

The Minister said the proposed legislation would provide alternative sentencing options for judges, allowing offenders to contribute positively to their communities rather than face custodial sentences for menial offences.   

The bill has been referred to the Constitution and Legal Committee of Parliament for further consideration and report.