Persons are being encouraged to turn in all illegal firearms to the police. There will be no charges laid against those who comply. After November 20, there will be grave consequences for those found with illegal guns and ammunition.

Gov’t warns illegal gun holders to take up amnesty

5 Nov 2022/Editorial@gleanerjm.com

PERSONS IN possession of illegal firearms are being urged to hand them over to law enforcement officials as a gun amnesty begins today.

The initiative will expire on November 20.

On Friday, members of the Upper House approved the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) (Firearms Amnesty) Order, 2022 and Resolution.

Senator Matthew Samuda, who piloted the resolution, warned that if persons in possession of illegal weapons do not hand them over during the period of amnesty, they will face severe penalties under the new Firearms Prohibition and Restriction Act.

The legislation imposes a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for the illegal possession of a firearm.

“Under the amnesty pursuant to this order, any person who voluntarily surrenders or discloses the location of any firearm or ammunition during the amnesty period shall not be charged with any offence relating to illegal possession, custody or control of that firearm or ammunition,” Samuda said.

He noted that Jamaica has recorded an average of 1,270 murders in the last 25 years, with the gun being the weapon of choice in the majority of these killings.

Firearms or ammunition may be surrendered to any subofficer or senior sub-officer of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and any designated officer at any office of the Firearm Licensing Authority. The firearm can also be surrendered to an attorney-at-law, who will in turn deliver it to the police.

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