In presenting the bill to Parliament Attorney General Ananad Ramlogan said parents, pastors, pundits or priests who hide gang members while knowing that they are wanted by police will face charges.
In addition, he said parents who profit from or encourage their children's gang activities "and pretend that they don't know what is happening in their own home" would face prosecution.
The law will also target persons buying stolen goods from a gang-related crime, the AG said.
"The receiving of stolen goods is part of the blood supply that fuels gang related activity," he noted as he cautioned citizens. "If yuh buying a gold chain for yuh wife or girlfriend, buy it from a reputable dealer," Ramlogan stated.
Ramlogan said police statistics show that the number of gangs has increased from 93 to 110 in 18 months.
He said the Government is trying to strike a balance to ensure that "innocent parents who are genuinely trying to do their best to rehabilitate and reform their child" are not penalised.
The Attorney General said under the bill, "harbouring" will not be a crime if the person is simply giving refuge or shelter, with the intention to counsel. "Concealment", he explained, refers to the intention of hiding the child away from the law enforcement authorities, knowing that police are looking for the child.
The bill is tough on anyone who recruits school children for gangs, with a penalty of 20 years in prison on conviction. In addition, the AG said gang leaders will face a penalty of 25 years instead of life. He explained that the opposition insisted on that amendment.
A police officer or member of the security forces involved in gang activity, which includes renting out a gun and leaking information about raids and roadblocks, will also face a 25-year sentence on conviction.
Any suspect can be detained without charge and without bail for a maximum of six days.
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