House Passes Firearms Amendment Bill to Raise Maximum Prison Term to 30 Years
The measure doubles the maximum sentence for summary firearm offences and introduces a minimum sentence that courts may reduce in special or exceptional circumstances.
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.
This story was first published by Antigua News on September 28, 2026: antigua.news/2026/09/28/house-passes-firearms-amendment-bill-to-raise-maximum-prison-term-to-30-years. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (5)
Yh man September 28, 2026, 4:55 PM
Or life, life is good
ReplyJuju Bee September 28, 2026, 6:27 PM
That should be the damn minimum. It would have served as a greater deterrent cause they out of hand right now
ReplyYea-man September 28, 2026, 7:01 PM
Increasing the sentencing will not stop them. The government needs to do more to stop the guns coming in in the first instance. The goverment nres to do more to create jobs and opportunities for young people.
ReplyConsequences now September 28, 2026, 8:32 PM
Check all finger prints that touches the gun, time in jail also, the home owner where the gun found arrested and charge, 10 more years if they refused to disclose where and whom they bought the gun, first offense 15 years second 30, three strike life just so.
ReplyAle September 30, 2026, 3:30 PM
Good
Reply