Barbados creating dedicated courts to tackle gun violence spike
Two new firearm courts are being set up to speed up trials as the island sees 23 gun-related murders out of 27 killings so far this year.
Barbados creating dedicated courts to tackle gun violence spike
The island is preparing to open two specialised tribunals focused exclusively on firearm offences, as authorities respond to a dramatic uptick in shootings and gun deaths.
Michael Lashley, who serves as Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice, addressed the Senate on Wednesday while introducing legislation to amend the Supreme Court of Judicature. He pushed back against worries from some legal practitioners about whether the tribunals could be properly staffed, insisting that every position had already been filled through arrangements outside the current criminal justice apparatus.
Each court will have its own judge, along with legal assistants, marshals, and probation officers, none of whom will be pulled from existing duties. Four prosecutors have also been lined up and are set to begin without delay. Lashley explained that sentencing reports would be compiled early, starting from the moment defendants signal they intend to admit guilt, which should prevent unnecessary postponements.
The minister highlighted the pressing need for swifter prosecution by sharing recent statistics: firearms have been used in 23 of the 27 homicides committed since the start of the year. In the first half of 2026 alone, police have confiscated 51 illegal weapons. The previous year saw more than 80 guns and over 3,300 bullets taken off the streets, producing a heavy caseload for the justice system.
He revealed that a consultant working alongside the police prosecution unit has already forwarded 672 case files covering incidents from 2022 through 2024. New matters from 2026 are also piling up, with several trial-ready cases each month, including 11 in April.
Lashley pointed to Jamaica's gun court as a regional model that helped ease congestion in that country's dockets. One of Barbados's new chambers will concentrate on older pending cases, while the second will take on fresh charges. He wants firearm trials concluded within half a year, arguing that rapid resolution deters further offending, honours defendants' entitlement to a prompt hearing, and serves victims' interests.
New procedural rules are on the way to ensure both sides enter the courtroom fully prepared. In addition, the Criminal Proceedings Act is slated to be brought into force soon, offering safeguards for witnesses such as identity protection.
Source: Barbados Today
Source: Barbados Today