Single Firearm Surrendered So Far in National Gun Amnesty Program

SOURCE DAILY OBSERVER: The government’s national gun amnesty program has seen one firearm turned in, so far, since its launch on April 7.

The initiative aims to enhance public safety by removing illegal firearms and ammunition from circulation throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Attorney General and Minister for Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin explained the rationale behind the program in an interview with Observer media.

“Law enforcement and the police felt it necessary and advised the cabinet that there should be another gun amnesty established,” the AG said. “We are concerned with the number of guns on the streets in the state, and the police have made the recommendations, and we’ve agreed to accept them.”

Benjamin expressed optimism about the program’s early results, noting, “So far, from the very first day when the amnesty became effective, one firearm was turned in already.”

The program provides an opportunity for individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms to surrender them to authorities without facing prosecution. Officials are encouraged by the initial response and expect more surrenders in the coming days.

“We believe that this time, with more firearms turned in, people are coming forward and making sure that they assist in getting the firearms off the streets,” Benjamin said. “We believe that we’ll have quite a number of unlicensed firearms given to the police so that persons will have a reduction in firearms unlawfully on the streets in Antigua and Barbuda.”

The amnesty also extends to individuals who may have inherited weapons from deceased relatives, offering them a legal pathway to surrender these firearms without penalties.

In a direct appeal to the public, the Attorney General urged citizens to participate in the program: “I’m calling, therefore, on all persons in the state who have firearms in their possession, or persons who know of individuals who have firearms in their possession. If you have it in your possession, send it to the police.”

Sir Steadroy also encouraged residents to report knowledge of illegal weapons: “And if you know of anyone who has an unlicensed firearm in his or her possession, kindly notify the nearest police station so actions can be taken to retrieve those unlicensed firearms from those persons who ought not to have them.”

Law enforcement officials have established designated collection points at police stations throughout the country where firearms and ammunition can be surrendered safely and anonymously.

The program is scheduled to run for an initial period of 30 days, although officials have indicated the possibility of extending it depending on public response.

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