SVG initiates National Firearms Amnesty, aims to maintain security in nation

The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines initiated the National Firearms Amnesty (NFA) programme to bring a sense of order and security to the multi-island nation. The programme began on Friday and will run until May 31, 2024.

The government runs the NFA programme in collaboration with the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) without asking any questions.

“Amnesty wants to take illegal firearms off the streets and out of the hands of criminals. Its purpose is to improve the safety of our citizens and visitors”, said RSVGPF.

The programme is launched under the motto of ‘no questions asked’ and ‘no prosecution.’ Persons surrendering their illegal guns during the specified period will not be prosecuted or questioned about the gun.  This is also not a ‘buy back’ initiative as no one will be paid for surrendering an illegal firearm.

Any person possessing illegal firearms is asked to surrender his or her weapons to the nearest police station or to the Minister of Religion, Head Teacher, Justice of the Peace, MP/Politician, Advocate/Lawyer or authorized firearms dealer.

Moreover, if an individual is not feeling secure or comfortable to confront the police, they can give their illegal firearms to the agents hired by the authorities.

People are urged to encourage others as well to hand over their illicit arms who they know have a firearm or ammunition in their possession to do so.

This initiative aims to improve the people’s social life by providing them a safe and secure environment to rely on. The authorities and police departments are working tirelessly to combat the crime problem in their country.

Before the commencement of this programme, a productive meeting was held to maintain security, which was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – Frankie Joseph.

He was accompanied by other officials such as Commander of the SVG Coast Guard Service- Deon Henry, the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of crime- Trevor Bailey and the Superintendent of Police- Junior Simmons among others.

This 90-days long programme is expected to bring positive outcomes and will resulted in the decline in the crimes occurred by gun-violence.