​The Senate chamber became the backdrop of a spirited debate as Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams robustly defended the Criminal Gangs (Prevention and Control) Bill in the first appearance by a minister from the lower House of Assembly in the upper legislature.

Abrahams blasted opposition critics, unveiled a suite of severe mandatory minimum sentences, and declared that the state is officially finished playing games with violent crime as the bill neared final passage.

​”We are sending a message at the end of the day—we are not playing with you,” the attorney general said. “Bajans must feel comfortable going about their business, and we the government have a duty to make sure we put the framework in place to secure that comfort for you.”