The House of Assembly is scheduled to debate proposed amendments to Saint Lucia’s Firearms Act on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with the legislation seeking to introduce stricter regulations for air guns, strengthen ammunition controls and increase penalties for certain weapons-related offences.
The Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes a licensing framework for air guns, requiring applicants to demonstrate knowledge of firearms laws, make adequate security arrangements for storage and satisfy the relevant authority that granting a licence would not pose a danger to the public.
Under the proposed legislation, air gun licences would be valid for three years, subject to renewal fees and inspection. Licences would not be granted for air guns exceeding 950 feet per second or using ammunition above .22 calibre.
The Bill would also prohibit converting an air gun into a firearm, restricted weapon or prohibited weapon. A person convicted of such an offence could face a fine of up to EC$50,000, imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both, on summary conviction. On conviction on indictment, the proposed penalty would be imprisonment for up to 25 years.
Additional provisions would require air guns and ammunition to be obtained from licensed firearm dealers or individuals holding valid licences. Sellers would have to notify the appropriate authority within 30 days of a sale or disposal.
The proposed amendments would also limit licensed firearm holders to 200 rounds of ammunition at a time. Licence holders would be required to account for ammunition acquired before purchasing additional rounds. Authorities could suspend or revoke licences where ammunition is suspected of being acquired for purposes outside the scope of the licence.
The legislation further proposes tighter controls on the storage and disposal of firearms and ammunition held by the police, as well as provisions allowing Customs officials to detain weapons and ammunition imported or exported in breach of the law.
The Bill also addresses firearms used by certain diplomatic security personnel and foreign law enforcement agencies operating in Saint Lucia.
The proposed measures remain subject to parliamentary consideration and must complete the required legislative process before becoming law.
