Justice minister, Delroy Chuck, says Wednesday’s street protest against aspects of the Firearms Act by members of the criminal defense bar was unnecessary.

Minister Chuck says he’s baffled by the move, given he has already scheduled a meeting with stakeholders to discuss mooted reforms to the legislation.

The attorneys, who are members of the Advocates Association and Jamaican Bar Association, are calling for amendments to the legislation, which took effect in November 2022.

Under the act, possession of a fake or imitation firearm carries the same 15 year penalty as possession of a real firearm.

The justice minister says the government remains open to dialogue.

Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Meanwhile, president of the Jamaican Bar Association, Tenneshia Watkins, has confirmed that Minister Chuck is due to meet with lawyers on Thursday to discuss reforms to contentious aspects of the Firearms Act.

Tenneshia Watkins, president of the Jamaican Bar Association.

And, president of the Advocates Association of Jamaica, Tamika Harris, says lawyers will continue their advocacy and activism until change comes.

Tamika Harris, president of the Advocates Association of Jamaica.

The women were speaking on Nationwide@5 on Wednesday.

Abigail Bartley contributed to this report.