The government of Antigua and Barbuda is pushing forward sweeping changes to the nation’s firearms legislation, with a key proposal introducing stiff 5 to 10-year prison sentences for anyone caught openly carrying an unauthorised gun or ammunition in designated public spaces. Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin laid out the new penalty framework during parliamentary debate on the 2026 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, clarifying that the harsher punishment will only apply to individuals convicted via summary proceedings who do not hold legal authorization to carry weapons — a group that excludes active police officers, members of the national Defence Force, and other explicitly exempted parties. Benjamin used a recent high-incident to underscore the urgent need for the reform, referencing a political gathering held near the Parliament building that ended in chaos after multiple gunshots rang out, forcing attendees to flee for safety. He emphasized that the administration is taking an uncompromising stance against the proliferation of illegal weapons in public spaces, drawing a clear line in the sand against rising gang-related violence. “We are not going to allow Antigua to become a gangster place,” Benjamin stated firmly to parliamentary members. The new mandatory sentencing range for unlawful public carry is just one component of a broader suite of revisions to the country’s firearms laws, which collectively seek to ramp up penalties across all categories of gun-related crime. Under the proposed changes, the most severe firearm-related offenses will now carry maximum prison sentences of up to 30 years, marking a significant escalation from current punishment levels.
Minimum Five Years in Prison Proposed for Openly Carrying Firearm in Public Place
