GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP):

Guyana is set to impose tougher fines and mandatory imprisonment for possession of illegal weapons to curb a wave of violence in which 23 people have died, the Government said yesterday.

Courts will levy fines of up to US$500 and offenders could face sentences of up to 10 years, said Interior Minister Clement Rohee. Bail also would be denied for anyone charged in those cases.

The bill has been approved by legislature and signed by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Currently, fines average less than US$100, and jail time, which is not mandatory, averages about five years.