— People convicted in the High Court of illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition will face a
minimum 15-year prison sentence
under the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2026 being debated in Parliament.
Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin outlined the tougher sentencing regime Monday as he introduced the bill in the House of Representatives, saying the government intends to impose significantly stronger penalties for illegal firearms.
Under the bill, possession of a firearm or ammunition without the required licence will carry a prison term of
five to 10 years on summary conviction
.
For a conviction on indictment in the High Court, the bill sets a
minimum prison term of 15 years
.
Benjamin said the tougher penalties are part of the government’s response to gun violence and concerns that existing sentences have not been severe enough.
He told Parliament that the administration was determined to send a clear message to people possessing and using illegal firearms.
“If you commit the crime, you do the extended time,” Benjamin said as he argued for substantially longer sentences.
Benjamin pointed to recent gun violence, including the Bathlodge shooting in which a pregnant young woman was killed, a 13-year-old boy was shot in the face and another person was wounded.
He said incidents of that nature required stronger action from the government and argued that tougher sentences are necessary to protect the public.
Benjamin also told lawmakers that residents have become increasingly concerned about gun violence, saying his phone was “ringing off the hook” with people expressing fear about the situation.
The bill establishes tougher penalties for several other firearm offences.
Unauthorised carrying of a firearm or ammunition in prescribed public places will carry a prison term of
five to 10 years on summary conviction
. Benjamin referenced a recent political rally where gunshots were reportedly fired and people scattered.
“We are not going to allow Antigua to become a gangster place,” Benjamin said.
The legislation also sets prison terms of
15 to 30 years on indictment
for illegally selling or transferring firearms or ammunition.
Possessing a firearm or ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause injury will similarly carry a sentence of
15 to 30 years
.
Benjamin acknowledged criticism of mandatory minimum sentences but said the government believes stronger punishment is necessary in response to recent firearm offences.
The bill also contains a mechanism dealing with exceptional cases where a court considers a prescribed minimum sentence manifestly excessive or unjust. Under that provision, the court would still impose the statutory minimum but issue a certificate setting out its concerns and reasons, allowing the defendant to seek leave to appeal the sentence.
Debate on the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2026 is continuing in the House of Representatives.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Illegal Gun Possession Will Carry Minimum 15-Year Prison Term Under New Bill.