MP gets personal as he backs gun court bill

A dedicated firearms court and more High Court judges are at the centre of new legislative proposals aimed at tackling a surge in gun-related killings, as St Joseph MP Ryan Brathwaite drew on personal experience to back the plans.  

The St Joseph MP recounted a personal encounter to illustrate the gravity of the need for the new courts, revealing that he had been held at gunpoint outside his own home about ten years ago.

“I approach this debate today from a unique perspective,” Brathwaite said. “I am fortunate enough to survive that ordeal, but there are many persons who do not leave those circumstances unscathed. And this is why we see our statistics continue to rise in terms of gun-related violence.”

The proposed amendment to the Supreme Court of Judicature Act outlines a multi-tiered approach to tackling judicial delays and addressing firearm offences. Chief among its provisions is an increase in the number of High Court judges to fast-track unresolved cases, alongside the establishment of a dedicated firearms division — frequently referred to as a “gun court” — to provide a specialised legal framework for handling firearm-related crimes.

“Now this bill seeks to increase the number of judges available to serve in the High Court,” Brathwaite told the House of Assembly. “It also seeks to establish a dedicated firearms division of the High Court and to provide a legal framework for the hearing and determination of gun-related offences.”

The debate extended far beyond the technical wording of the amendment, touching on the fundamental responsibilities of state institutions to protect the public, Brathwaite said. He noted that the legislation comes at a time when gun crime heavily impacts the local landscape, pointing out that recent statistics reveal 23 out of 27 homicides for the year involved firearms.

“Gun violence and gun-related offences are one of the challenges that plague our society,” Brathwaite said, noting that such crimes do not discriminate based on school or district. “This bill is about preserving public safety, and it is about protecting law-abiding Barbadians.”

Addressing the operational challenges within the current legal framework, Brathwaite argued that increasing the judicial bench is both a practical and vital step towards eliminating chronic backlogs that leave victims and families without closure.

He cited the legal maxim that “justice delayed is justice denied”, warning that prolonged delays cause the public to lose confidence in the system.

In defending the creation of a specialised gun court, Brathwaite drew parallels to previous modernisations within the judiciary, such as the family court, which was established to manage complex, sensitive matters.

He suggested that firearm offences require the same dedicated focus, procedural clarity and statutory timelines to ensure transparency and accountability.

But the rookie St Joseph MP cautioned that the establishment of a new court division represents only part of a broader, systemic solution. He noted that the ultimate success of the legislation relies heavily on external operational factors, including the thoroughness of police investigations, the availability of forensic evidence, the preparedness of prosecutors and the cooperation of witnesses.

He also welcomed the bill’s technological provisions, which allow for video conferencing and digital hearings. He urged lawmakers to continue investing in administrative support and modern case management practices across the entire criminal justice system.

While strongly endorsing the aggressive legislative response to gun crime, Brathwaite urged his colleagues not to ignore the socio-economic root causes driving young people towards criminal behaviour. He maintained that long-term crime reduction requires sustained community investment alongside judicial reform.

“No court can address what is happening in the homes of Barbadians,” Brathwaite said. “The long-term solution to crime lies within our communities. It lies in education, it lies in sports, it lies in youth development, it lies in job creation, it lies in mentorship. Prevention remains better than cure.”

 

(RR)