The government says it will increase the mandatory minimum penalty for people convicted of illegal possession of a firearm from 15 to 20 years imprisonment.

The new mandatory minimum was recommended by the National Security Council, NSC, during its most recent meeting last week.

More in this report from Mahiri Stewart.

In a statement on Sunday, the National Security Council, NSC, said the recommendation is in keeping with the government’s commitment to refine the Firearms Act to make it tougher while protecting the innocent and vulnerable.

The Security Council, which is chaired by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, has also agreed that new amendments to the law is necessary to treat with gangsters who use children in furtherance of their criminal activities.

Senator Abka Fitz-Henley is state minister in charge of the Office of the Prime Minister’s communication.

The security council says amendment to the law is necessary to address the gap whereby gangs seek to recruit and enlist minors in the commission of gun crimes.

Minister Fitz-Henley says the NSC also agreed that further consideration should be given to how cases involving children found with illegal guns are treated.

Minister Fitz-Henley says the Ministry of National Security and Peace has been directed to have the draft legislation ready in short order for wider consultations.