Barbados yesterday made the official move to establish a dedicated Gun Court for the first time in its history, as Government seeks to fast-track firearm-related cases amid growing concerns over gun violence and a mounting backlog in the criminal justice system.
Introducing the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the House of Assembly, Minister of Criminal Justice and Legal Affairs Michael Lashley described the creation of a Firearms Division of the High Court as a “historic amendment” that would allow gun-related offences to be heard by specialised judges, with the aim of delivering swifter justice and at the same time strengthening public safety.
Accused people can determine if they want a judge-only trial or one by jury.
Lashley said the new division, also known as a Gun Court, would be empowered to hear cases involving illegal firearms, ammunition and other offences connected to the use of guns.
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