Is it time for Barbados to ban guns save for the protective services and a few sporting organisations? Or should there be a referendum on the matter?
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That was the point Independent Senator Andrew Mallalieu left the chamber to ponder today during debate on the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Mallalieu said it was “a sad day for all Barbadians” that the country had reached the point where it found itself having to emulate countries known for their high crime.
“… And then I would leave the chamber with this question. The question is this: Is it time for us as a country to consider the complete eradication of all guns in Barbados, outside of the police, defence force and those kept safely and securely within sporting establishments? Should we at the next opportunity ask about a referendum?” he asked.
Mallalieu prefaced this by a call for mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed with a firearm.
“I understand that there are some CCJ [Caribbean Court of Justice] rulings or other things that need to be dealt with in order to have mandatory minimum sentences,” he pointed out.
“I can’t comment to that. What I can say is that if you asked Barbadians today, the vast majority would tell you that the sentences for crimes committed with firearms need to be much harsher than they are. So I would call for mandatory minimum sentences,” he stated before posing the question about the firearms ban.
Earlier the Independent Senator said he understood the need to remove and reduce the delay in firearm cases, allow for flexible sittings – including electronic hearings – and move cases efficiently across the court system. He said the passing of the Bill would accomplish nothing if the resources were not adequately put behind it. The Bill allows for as many as 15 High Court judges.
Mallalieu also asked how the judicial officers would be funded.
“I have gone back to the Appropriations Bill to find then where I could see the money being set aside for this new endowment. I could not find it. I can find it nowhere.
“And therefore, I will pose this question to the minister: Given that the 2026-2027 Estimates show no increase in the statutory personal emoluments for the judicial judges line, where exactly is the funding for the additional high court judges contemplated by this Bill? I am sure that the Honourable Minister, in his wrap-up, will be able to explain to us where that money is coming from.”
The Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was piloted by Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice, Michael Lashley, who came up from the House of Assembly for the debate. (SAT)