September 28, 2026

PM Holness says Gov’t and Parliament will at appropriate time consider recommendations for improvement to Firearms Act

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says Government and Parliament will at the appropriate time consider recommendations concerning how the Firearms Act may be improved.

Attorneys have been protesting, as they lobby for amendments to the Act pointing to the mandatory sentencing provisions and the restrictions placed on judicial discretion.

They have met with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck on the matter.

Dr. Holness commented on the Firearms Act , while addressing the Jamaica Labour Party’s Central Executive yesterday.

The Prime Minister said although his administration is not averse to hearing suggestions about how the law may be improved, its strength against criminals who possess illegal guns must be maintained.

Dr. Holness noted that there is a five-year review period in the Firearms Act which is approaching and at that point the Parliament and the executive will review the legislation and consider how to improve it.

The Prime Minister said the Government does not see the need for an adversarial approach to review the Act.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said a combination of measures implemented by the Government has contributed to the major reduction in murders being experienced and an overall improvement in citizen security.

Murders this year are down by 23 percent. This follows a 43 percent decline last year.

Violent crimes in Jamaica have also gone down by double figures this year.

In welcoming the decline, Prime Minister Holness said advocacy for a review of the Firearms Law should not proceed in a manner, where it appears as if gains are being taken for granted.