The Jamaican Bar Association and the Advocates Association of Jamaica are welcoming an indication from Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness that the government will refine the Firearms Act.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the associations say they also welcome that the government is willing to accept suggestions on how the Act can be improved.
Prime Minister Holness made the commitment in a speech on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.
He was speaking at the Spatial Arc GIS User Conference Experience Jamaica at the AC Hotel in St Andrew.
His comments came amid protest from defence lawyers over some provisions of the Act.
In their joint statement on Wednesday, the legal groups say the present moment provides an opportunity to refine the legislative framework while maintaining the strength of the legislation against persons found in illegal possession or use of firearms.
They say strong measures against serious firearms offences while simultaneously addressing areas where greater clarity, proportionality and consistency are required.
According to JAMBAR and AAJ, the objective is not to weaken Jamaica’s response to gun crime, but to ensure that the legislative framework remains strong, clear, proportionate and effective.
The associations say they are willing to participate in a technical working group or other consultation process with the relevant ministries to examine the proposed amendments and to assist in developing appropriate legislative language.
Meanwhile, the associations say they have submitted a 13-page joint proposal to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck, KC.
The document sets out proposed amendments to the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022.
The submission follows concerns raised by the groups about the operation of mandatory minimum sentences and the limitation placed on the courts to respond appropriately to the circumstances of individual cases.
Among the principal matters addressed in the submission are: mandatory minimum sentences, imitation firearms, children, sentencing factors and plea negotiations.
