WATCH: Jamaicans divided over proposed 20-year minimum sentence for gun crimes

Observer Online took to the streets to gauge public opinion on the proposal, which was announced Sunday by the NSC, chaired by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The proposal has already drawn criticism from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), with Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess, arguing that it was put forward “without adequately addressing the legislation’s flaws”. The existing 15-year mandatory minimum sentence under the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, has also faced scrutiny from members of the legal fraternity, who have raised concerns about its broad application and staged demonstrations calling for legislative reform. Speaking with Observer Online, some individuals supported the proposed increase, arguing that tougher penalties could deter individuals from possessing illegal firearms and help curb gun violence.

“Twenty year minimum, 20 years. It’s a bit harsh, but I feel like the Government is working a way to try to reduce crime because there’s a lot of fatality with gunman and all of them things… ” one respondent said. Another agreed, suggesting that the prospect of spending two decades behind bars could discourage illegal firearm possession. “I think it’s appropriate because if you know you’re going to get sentenced to 20 years for having illegal firearms, [would] you put yourself in that position? No, I agree with it,” she said. Another Jamaican encouraged those interested in owning firearms to pursue legal avenues rather than risk facing criminal penalties. “Gun is a thing weh protect you and thing. Some man use it fi do wrong thing, some use it fi do the right but sometimes you can get right out of wrong same way. You have to just get your thing license, go to the proper place and look bout your thing.…