Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Gaston Browne has written to Chief Justice Her Ladyship, the Hon. Margaret Price Findlay proposing the establishment of an independent committee to examine firearm sentencing, repeat offending and the effectiveness of the country’s criminal justice system.
In the letter, dated 13 August 2026, the Prime Minister said the proposal follows a recent meeting of the National Security Council and senior security and law enforcement officials, during which growing concern was expressed over the increase in firearm-related violence and repeat offending.
Prime Minister Browne said the proposed committee would undertake an independent review of sentencing outcomes for firearm and other serious violent offences, assess repeat offending, and examine whether the criminal justice system is operating cohesively and effectively.
The Prime Minister noted that while homicide trends in Antigua and Barbuda have fluctuated in recent years, they remain significantly above 2019 levels. He also pointed to reports from security agencies indicating an unacceptable level of firearm-related violence and advised that approximately 250 persons with previous convictions have subsequently been arrested and charged in connection with further serious offences. He emphasized that the figure does not constitute findings of guilt in pending matters but highlights the need for a comprehensive review of repeat offending across the criminal justice system.
The Prime Minister observed that Parliament has already enacted legislation providing for maximum custodial penalties of up to fifteen years for certain firearm offences and that the Government has continued to invest in policing, border security, intelligence, prosecution and rehabilitation. He argued that the public is entitled to expect all elements of the criminal justice system to function with equal effectiveness.
Addressing concerns raised publicly about sentencing in serious firearm cases, Prime Minister Browne acknowledged that sentencing decisions are guided by statutory provisions, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Sentencing Guidelines, appellate decisions and other legal principles. However, he said an independent review is the appropriate mechanism to determine whether legislative policy, sentencing practice and criminal justice administration are operating coherently.
The Prime Minister stressed that the proposal is not intended to undermine judicial independence. Rather, he said constitutional government requires that concerns affecting the administration of justice be addressed through the institutions and procedures established by law.
He further proposed that the committee comprise three suitably qualified and independent persons and suggested that former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Hon. Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, be invited to chair the review, subject to his willingness to serve. The committee would also be able to draw upon the work already undertaken by CARICOM’s High-Level Representative on Law and Criminal Justice to avoid duplication of effort.
Prime Minister Browne requested an urgent timetable for the review, proposing that the committee be established by the end of August, provide interim observations within 30 days of its appointment, and submit a final report within 90 days. He also committed the Government to providing data, logistical support and access to relevant agencies to facilitate the committee’s work.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic institutions can work together to strengthen public safety while preserving judicial independence and the constitutional separation of powers.
