Former gangster wants changes to Firearms Act

A former gangster who managed to turn his life around is urging lawmakers to rethink the mandatory 15-year sentence for illegal firearm possession, arguing that the lives of many rebellious teens can be changed at a judge’s discretion.

“A story can be presented to the judge where even a pastor in the community can give reference and say that the young man is not like this, I don’t know him for that,” he said.

His stance echoes concerns raised by the Jamaica Bar Association in an October 2 press release, following a silent protest by defence attorneys outside the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston on Wednesday. The attorneys were calling for a review of the mandatory sentencing provisions of the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022.