Tavares-Finson cautions against any substantial changes to Firearms Act

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Attorney-at-law and Government Senator Christian Tavares-Finson is cautioning against any substantial changes to the Firearms Act which came into effect in November 2022.

Tavares-Finson said in a statement that, while, in principle, he is not opposed to a review of the Act, substantial changes to its provisions would be ill-advised. He is also expressing his full support for the mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years under the Act, which pertains to the possession of an illegal firearm and the use of a firearm to commit a crime.

“It is good to review all legislation from time to time, especially legislation that was recently passed. But I am of the view that the Firearms Act of 2022 has served as a deterrent for some individuals who would have otherwise been minded to commit crimes using a firearm. Data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Court Administration Division (CAD) both confirm a double-digit decline in gun crimes and serious gun-related cases placed before the court subsequent to the passage of the Act in 2022. I am not of the view that this should be regarded as a mere coincidence,” he said.