Courts expected to be impacted again today as attorneys stage second day of protest against Firearms Act

September 29, 2026

The island’s courts are expected to be impacted again today as attorneys stage a second day of protest against the Firearms Act.

Yesterday, attorneys across the island stayed off the job as they called for amendments to the Act.

The Advocates Association of Jamaica and the Northern Jamaica Law Society are calling for changes to the mandatory minimum sentences under the law.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has said the Government and Parliament will at the appropriate time consider recommendations concerning how the Act may be improved.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, President of the Northern Jamaica Law Society, Pearline Bailey explains that for her members, today’s action will target Gun Courts only.

She said persons who pose no threat to society are being criminalised under the Act, and this should not continue.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BAILEY-GUN-ACT-PROTEST-3-1.mp3

She was supported by President of the Advocates Association of Jamaica, Tamika Harris who said the attorneys are not calling for the Act to be weakened, but to avoid a child or music producer being criminalized for having imitation firearms.