GOVERNMENT OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS MOVES TO STRENGTHEN SENTENCING FOR ARMED ROBBERY WITH PASSAGE OF KEY AMENDMENT TO THE LARCENY ACT

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, July 24, 2025 (SKNIS) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, led by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, today (July 24, 2025), debated and passed the Larceny (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the National Assembly, marking a critical step aimed at closing sentencing loopholes and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to public safety.

In leading the debate, Prime Minister Drew highlighted the contradiction in the current legal framework that the amendment seeks to correct. Under the previous legislation, possession of an unlicensed automatic firearm carried a potential sentence of up to 40 years, while using that same weapon in a violent robbery is capped at 20 years.

“That contradiction is illogical,” said Prime Minister Drew. “Therefore, this short, yet important amendment, corrects the inconsistency by updating Section 31 of the Larceny Act. It ensures that our justice system treats robbery with firearms with the severity it demands, and that sentencing is consistent with our broader reforms under the Firearms Act.”

The Bill introduces a tiered sentencing structure for robbery offences, based on the level of threat, violence, and weapon used. Robbery with a firearm carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment with hard labour, while robbery with another offensive weapon carries up to a maximum of 40 years. Robbery committed with accomplices can result in up to a maximum of 35 years, and robbery involving personal violence up to a maximum of 30 years. Robbery without aggravating factors may attract a maximum sentence of up to 20 years, while assault with intent to rob carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.

The Bill also expanded the legal definition of a firearm to include imitation firearms and restricted or prohibited weapons, consistent with the updated Firearms Act, CAP-19.05.

Prime Minister Drew emphasised that the amendment will harmonise the laws of Saint Kitts and Nevis with regional sentencing norms and international standards, while respecting the guidelines established by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

“Robbery is not a victimless crime. It shatters life. It can destroy confidence and can sow fear in our communities,” the prime minister stated. “Increased penalties for serious crimes such as armed robbery, therefore, serve as a critical deterrent function, sending a clear and unequivocal message that society will not tolerate acts of violence that threaten public safety and undermine social order.”

Prime Minister Drew also acknowledged that criminal justice reform must go beyond punishment. He reiterated the government’s broader strategy of addressing crime through a people-centred, all-of-society approach, which includes prevention, opportunity creation, and viewing violence through a public health lens.

“Madam Speaker, we are balancing both things. We are creating opportunities that we want our people to take. But if one were to, of course, be an affront to the law, the law will make sure that it does its part to bring about justice,” he said.

Prime Minister Drew reiterated that his administration will continue to prioritise both community safety and comprehensive legal reform, and the Larceny (Amendment) Bill, 2025, represents a decisive step in delivering justice and restoring public confidence.

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