A dedicated firearms court and more High Court judges are at the centre of new legislative proposals aimed at tackling a surge in gun-related killings, as St Joseph MP Ryan Brathwaite drew on personal experience to back the plans.

The St Joseph MP recounted a personal encounter to illustrate the gravity of the need for the new courts, revealing that he had been held at gunpoint outside his own home about ten years ago.

“I approach this debate today from a unique perspective,” Brathwaite said. “I am fortunate enough to survive that ordeal, but there are many persons who do not leave those circumstances unscathed. And this is why we see our statistics continue to rise in terms of gun-related violence.”