Jamaica Moves to Increase Minimum Gun Sentence to 20 Years as National Security Council Announces Sweeping Reforms
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Oct 25, 2026
Jamaica’s National Security Council (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, has recommended increasing the mandatory minimum prison sentence for illegal firearm possession from 15 to 20 years, as the Government moves to strengthen its response to gun violence, organised crime and the recruitment of children by criminal gangs.
The recommendation, announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, forms part of proposed amendments to the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022. The NSC said the changes are intended to make the legislation tougher against criminals while ensuring greater fairness and protection for vulnerable individuals.
Tougher Penalties and New Protections for Children
One of the most significant proposed changes is the creation of a new criminal offence targeting adults who groom, recruit or exploit children to acquire, transport, store or use illegal firearms.
According to the NSC, the measure is intended to close a legislative gap that criminal gangs have exploited to involve minors in gun-related activities.
The Council also recommended further consideration of how children found in possession of illegal firearms should be treated under the law.
Another area under review concerns imitation firearms. The proposed amendments will distinguish between ordinary toy guns and imitation weapons designed to closely resemble real firearms, following concerns about the proportionality of existing penalties.
The review will also address cases involving firearms with expired licences.
Government Plans Gun Amnesty and Cash Buy-Back Programme
Before the proposed tougher penalties take effect, the Government intends to introduce a nationwide gun amnesty and cash buy-back programme.
The initiative would allow individuals holding illegal firearms to surrender them without facing prosecution for the possession covered by the amnesty, while the buy-back component would provide financial incentives for eligible weapons.
Details of the programme, including eligibility requirements, compensation and the duration of the amnesty, have not yet been announced.
The Ministry of National Security and Peace has been directed to prepare draft legislation by the end of November 2026 for wider consultations.
Prime Minister Holness emphasised that the Government intends to confront gun crime while ensuring the law protects vulnerable citizens.
“We have seen what criminals are capable of, and we will not stand by while they put guns in the hands of our children.”
He added:
“Make no mistake, this administration is drawing a line in the sand against gun crime, and we are determined to eliminate the gun culture from our society.”
Sligoville Police Killings Prompt Intensified Security Operations
The National Security Council also received a briefing on the deadly police operation in Sligoville, St Catherine, which claimed the lives of Corporal Trevoy Shaw and Constable Devoney Rose.
The Council extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the officers, who were killed in the line of duty.
Prime Minister Holness said the incident highlighted the extraordinary dangers faced by police officers confronting heavily armed criminals.
“As a Christian nation, we regret the loss of life of any citizen; however, we pay particular honour to those who lose their lives in the line of duty to keep us safe.”
He also commended the security forces for their efforts to protect innocent children during the operation, condemning criminals who place their own families and children in danger to shield themselves.
Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake advised the Council that the Sligoville operation formed part of a wider intelligence-driven campaign against dangerous criminal networks.
According to the briefing, these groups are heavily armed, organised, well-resourced and interconnected. Some embed themselves within communities, exercising influence over residents and recruiting unsuspecting individuals to assist their activities.
The NSC subsequently directed the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to accelerate planned operations and intensify efforts to dismantle these criminal organisations and their networks.
Government Signals Broader Crackdown on Organised Crime
The NSC’s recommendations represent a broader security strategy addressing illegal firearms, the exploitation of children, drug trafficking, criminal networks and weaknesses in vehicle identification.
While the proposed 20-year minimum sentence has not yet become law, the Government has signalled its intention to introduce significant legislative reforms before the end of 2026.
The next major step will be the preparation of draft amendments by the Ministry of National Security and Peace, followed by consultations before the legislation proceeds through the parliamentary process.
The existing 15-year mandatory minimum therefore remains in place unless and until Parliament approves the proposed changes and they take legal effect.