Former gangster wants changes to Firearms Act

A former gangster who managed to turn his life around is urging lawmakers to rethink the mandatory 15-year sentence for illegal firearm possession, arguing that the lives of many rebellious teens can be changed at a judge’s discretion.

“A story can be presented to the judge where even a pastor in the community can give reference and say that the young man is not like this, I don’t know him for that,” he said.

His stance echoes concerns raised by the Jamaica Bar Association in an October 2 press release, following a silent protest by defence attorneys outside the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston on Wednesday. The attorneys were calling for a review of the mandatory sentencing provisions of the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022.

The association argued that the mandatory minimum sentence is one of its principal concerns “because it does not account for the different circumstances under which an offence attracting that sentence may be committed or by whom”.

“It is a fundamental principle of our justice system that a judge is meant to weigh the evidence and the circumstances of each case,” the association said.

The man told THE STAR that his entry into a gang was largely influenced by a lack of options.

“Well, my brother was a part of it, and after he died, then mommy died. So there was no one around to provide that guidance. So I thought that was the way out, and also peer pressure was a factor,” he said.

However, his involvement was short-lived as he said he never felt “settled”.

“It reach to the point where I would come home from school, get rest and then go out in the nights with gun. I didn’t spend a lot of time at that point till I catch up on myself. I went road about two nights and after which I decided that no this is not me,” he said. His discomfort was further reinforced when he lost his brother and acquaintances to gun violence.