Justice minister outlines need to balance scales for victims and accused, amid gun law debate

September 25, 2026

As the debate continues over the firearms act, Justice minister Delroy Chuck says he has to balance the scales in relation to victims of gun crimes and those accused.

His comments follow Wednesday’s silent protest by lawyers, who called for amendments to the firearms act, citing the mandatory sentencing provisions and restrictions placed on judicial discretion.

Mr. Chuck met with the Jamaican Bar and Advocates associations yesterday and aattorneys have committed to refining their concerns and submitting joint proposals for amendments to the act, by early next week.

Speaking on the issue at an event in St. Ann today, Mr. Chuck said exceptional cases will be reviewed.

The minister said the expectations of victims and the country must also be taken into consideration.

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Mr. Chuck said Jamaica still has a significant problem of gun crimes, stating that gunmen should spend a long time behind bars.

He opined that police officers are inspired to work harder to recover guns because they know the accused will face the appropriate penalty.

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