National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has announced that the government has decided to extend the gun and ammunition amnesty until December 1, 2023.
At a press conference held at the office of the Minister, he first expressed thanks to the clergy and lawyers who also took on the cause of having persons bring in illegal firearms and ammunition.
The government had announced a one-month amnesty from October 1-31, 2023 calling on persons to deliver the illegal firearms and ammunitions to the police with no fear of prosecution.
“We know that people are still in the festive spirit and so in keeping with our goodwill as a government, we have decided to extend the gun and ammunition amnesty until December 1, 2023. All we are saying is please give your illegal guns and ammunition to the police, a lawyer, priest, or pastor and all will be well,” he said.
He also said that during the one-month amnesty, only two (2) illegal firearms were surrendered but he is optimistic that the extension will result in more.
“Some people are fearful, again, we want to tell them have nothing to fear about, they will not be prosecuted so just bring them in, and also remember that after this extension we will go to Parliament and once that is done it will be mandatory jail when convicted on any of the gun-related offenses,” he stated.