ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

The Antigua and Barbuda government says it will introduce amendments to the Firearms Act to provide stiffer penalties for gun-related offences.

"We are getting intelligence reports that there are considerable dealers in firearms," said Justice Minister Collin Derrick.

The amendments would also include measures giving judges the option of imposing a minimum sentence of 25 years, life impri-sonment or the death penalty on anyone found in possession of a gun or using guns and knives to cause serious injury or death.