PM Browne Says Police Have Complained to Him About Judiciary’s Handling of Criminal Cases

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says police officers have complained to him about the judiciary’s handling of criminal cases, adding their concerns to his call for tougher sentencing.

Speaking in the House of Representatives during debate on the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, Browne argued that some sentences have allowed repeat offenders to return to the streets too quickly. He said lenient sentencing puts further pressure on police and leaves the public at risk.

Browne was sharply critical of what he described as a pattern of low sentences for serious offences across the Caribbean. He said Parliament had previously raised maximum penalties expecting courts to impose longer terms, but had seen offenders receive sentences of a year or two in some cases.

The Prime Minister said the proposed legislation would set a minimum of five years for certain firearm offences dealt with in the Magistrate’s Court and 15 years for offences tried in the High Court. He also acknowledged that courts would need room to consider exceptional circumstances where a minimum sentence would be unjust or excessive.

Browne said he respected the judiciary’s independence but maintained that judges must apply the laws Parliament passes. He accused members of the judiciary of abusing sentencing discretion and said the bill was intended to curb it.

His remarks were criticism of sentencing practices, not an announcement of a finding of misconduct against any judge. Browne also called for stronger intelligence and enforcement against people who import, sell or transfer firearms and ammunition to criminals, urging the public to help police trace illegal weapons.

The bill was passed on Monday.