Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Hay-Webster

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

Member of Parliament (MP) for the South Central St Catherine constituency, Sharon Hay-Webster, says the time has come for Jamaica to put the Criminal Surveillance Act ('Peeping Tom' Act) on the books.

In an interview with The Gleaner yesterday, Hay-Webster said it was urgent that this act be placed on the books to protect people's privacy. She said she will be tabling her position at today's sitting of Parliament.

"People's space have been invaded daily and nobody is held responsible," Hay-Webster said. "Persons peep in your private premises such as your home, even when you are in a state of undress and this must change."

Abuse by peeping toms

The MP noted that in the United States this is known as the Criminal Surveillance Act and Jamaica needs to move in a similar direction.

She said that people are being abused by peeping Toms and have no idea as to how to deal with the matter. "I remember recently when a female went to a police station and was told by the lawmen that they cannot deal with persons who peep on people. All that must change," Hay-Webster stated.

The MP, who has been calling for the setting up of a sexual offenders register, said that this approach will change the culture of persons who think that they have a right to invade other people's privacy.

She noted that the practice is carried out even in stores when people go shopping and have their space invaded by others.

While not certain as to what Parliament will do, Hay-Webster hopes the proposed legislation will fall under the Offences Against the Person Act.