House Passes Firearms Amendment Bill to Raise Maximum Prison Term to 30 Years

The House of Representatives has passed the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for firearm offences as Antigua and Barbuda confronts growing concern over gun violence.

The bill amends the Firearms Act, Cap. 171. It raises the maximum prison term for offences dealt with summarily from five years to 15 years, while offences tried on indictment can attract a sentence of up to 30 years.

It also sets a minimum sentence of 50 per cent of the prescribed penalty for offences under the Act. A magistrate or judge may impose a lower sentence only where special or exceptional circumstances justify doing so.

Attorney General and Minister responsible for Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin presented the bill to the House on Monday. He said the proposed sentencing changes were intended to respond to serious gun crime while preserving the courts’ discretion where circumstances warrant a departure from the minimum.

The debate followed the deadly shooting in Bathlodge, in which Saquania Anthony was killed and two others, including a 13-year-old boy, were wounded. The attack intensified public calls for action against illegal firearms and repeat offending.

The government has said stronger sentences form part of a wider response that includes police investigations, tighter scrutiny of cargo entering the country and efforts to remove illegal weapons from communities.