Earlier today, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has passed the Larceny (Amendment) Bill, 2025 significantly increasing penalties for robbery offences and eliminating inconsistencies in sentencing laws. The move, led by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, underscores the administration’s commitment to public safety and comprehensive justice reform.
In addressing the National Assembly, Prime Minister Drew outlined a critical flaw in the current legal framework. Under the existing legislation, possession of an unlicensed automatic firearm carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, while using that same firearm during a robbery carried a lesser penalty of 20 years.
“That contradiction is illogical,” Dr. Drew said. “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 Larceny (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces a tiered sentencing model based on the circumstances of the offence:
- Robbery with a firearm: Up to life imprisonment with hard labour
- Robbery with another offensive weapon: Up to 40 years
- Robbery involving accomplices: Up to 35 years
- Robbery involving personal violence: Up to 30 years
- Robbery without aggravating factors: Up to 20 years
- Assault with intent to rob: Up to 15 years
Additionally, the Bill expands the definition of a firearm to include imitation firearms, and restricted or prohibited weapons—bringing it in line with the revised Firearms Act (CAP-19.05).
During the sitting, Marsha Henderson, Member of Parliament for St. Christopher Two, voiced strong support for the legislation. Drawing on her background as a criminal defence attorney, Minister Henderson stressed the importance of delivering “fair but firm justice.”
“No society should accept robbery, let alone armed robbery, as the norm,” she said. “It is a serious offence that demands proportionate punishment.”
While acknowledging that the new penalties—ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment—may seem harsh at first glance, Minister Henderson underscored that the Bill brings consistency and fairness to sentencing practices in accordance with established judicial guidelines.
“When it comes to robbery, Madame Speaker, especially armed robbery, the court does not simply look at the crime in isolation,” she said. “Judges are required to weigh the full picture… The law provides a structured approach to sentencing—step-by-step guidelines to ensure fairness, to ensure consistency and clarity.”
She pointed to the tiered framework as “plainly logical and necessary,” explaining that it draws distinctions between different levels of severity in robbery cases.
“A man who snatches a bag without using violence or threats is not the same offender as someone who storms into a shop with a firearm and terrorises the staff and customers,” she argued. “This approach recognises degrees of blameworthiness, while still holding every offender accountable.”
Minister Henderson also highlighted the need to protect victims and maintain public safety, while ensuring that the justice system continues to offer pathways to rehabilitation.
In closing, she affirmed her full support for the Larceny (Amendment) Bill, 2025, stating: “It balances punishment in one hand with fairness in the other hand.”
Prime Minister Drew echoed these sentiments, reiterating his government’s broader strategy to reduce crime through both legal reform and community investment. “We are creating opportunities that we want our people to take,” he said. “But if one were to be an affront to the law, the law will make sure that it does its part to bring about justice.”
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from SKN Source! Click here to join our WhatsApp channel and get updates straight to your mobile. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more stories and insights!
Be the first to comment on "St. Kitts and Nevis Passes Larceny (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to Strengthen Penalties for Robbery"