His comment comes less than a week before members of a joint select committee meet for the final time to sign off on a report to be submitted to Parliament for debate.

Despite bipartisan agreement on the legislative measures during talks between the ruling Jamaica Labour Party administration and the Opposition People's National Party, it is not known whether all members of the committee will give the report the nod, based on a number of concerns raised during their deliberations.

Considerable issues

Chief among the concerns was the 60-day detention before bail can be granted for persons accused of specified crimes.

Golding on Friday cast doubt on whether the raft of legislation would dent the serious crime problem plaguing the country.

In his maiden presentation to the State of the Nation debate in the Upper House, Golding said the bills could alienate persons and organisations who have a strong belief in the centrality of human rights in a civilised society.

Unemployment,hopelessness

Highlighting unemployment and hopelessness, mainly among inner- city youths as contributory factors to violent crimes, the Opposition senator said success in tackling the epidemic of violence must start with developing programmes aimed at the source.

"Every year thousands of Jamaicans are leaving the school system functionally illiterate, with no chance of further education or training," Golding said.

He added that many who have been failed by the system should be given a second chance to become productive citizens with a real stake in the society.

In that regard, Golding recommended the establishment of a youth empowerment programme to facilitate school leavers who were not pursuing tertiary studies or who were not enrolled in a vocational institution.

He suggested that the private sector, churches, the Jamaica Defence Force and non-governmental organisations play a role in the design and implementation of the programme.

Proposed youth empowerment programme

Reinforce wholesome values and attitudes to foundational matters such as the opposite sex, parenting, dispute resolution, community involvement and workplace discipline.

Fill the gaps in the literacy and numerical skills, and facilitate re-takes of CSEC exams at no expense.

Provide access to IT training and other skills training in basic business skills such as accounting, sales and marketing.

Provide exposure to the discipline of a routine in daily organised activity, including physical exercise.

Provide mentorship

Give each participant a solid meal at no expense

End with a placement programme into a tertiary education institution, a vocational training programme or a steady job.