PM Browne Outlines Tougher Prison Terms for Firearms and Ammunition Offences

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has outlined tougher penalties for firearms-related offences, including substantial prison terms for convictions involving firearms and ammunition.

According to Browne, firearms offences dealt with by summary conviction can attract a sentence of up to 10 years, with a minimum of five years, while a conviction on indictment can carry up to 30 years, with a minimum sentence of 15 years.

The Prime Minister also provided details on penalties relating specifically to the importation, exportation and transshipment of firearms and ammunition.

For those offences, Browne said the penalties are up to 10 years on summary conviction and up to 30 years on indictable conviction, respectively. He stated that the minimum sentence is five years.

Browne also addressed the roles of Parliament and the judiciary in determining and applying criminal penalties.

“Fixing penalties is the remit of the legislature; the judiciary implements with limited discretion for exceptions,” the Prime Minister said.

His comments highlight the distinction between the responsibility of lawmakers to establish penalties through legislation and the role of the courts in applying those provisions when dealing with individual cases.

The Prime Minister’s latest remarks provide further clarification on the penalties applicable to firearms offences, including those involving the movement of firearms and ammunition into, out of, or through Antigua and Barbuda.