As of today, Friday 2 August, there is only 10 days remaining for the National Gun Amnesty. The amnesty which was has now been extended to the 11 August, was initially intended to run for the month of July. Partnering with members from all facets of the community, including our elected members of parliament, pastors from various denominations, community leaders and our youth and young people, the RCIPS’ goal was to encourage persons in possession of and with access to illegal guns, to turn them in using the various methods outlined by the amnesty (see link here).

Since the beginning of July to date four guns, over 2800 rounds of ammunition, and two other restricted weapons were turned in as part of the gun amnesty. Although we are grateful for the trust and command that these members of the community displayed in taking advantage of the amnesty, none of the weapons that were handed in reflect the illegal guns we know still in the community and have been used in the commission of crimes in the recent years.

“The extension of the National Gun Amnesty provides an opportunity for those yet to take advantage of the gun amnesty to do so without delay,” says Commissioner Kurt Walton, “I encourage everyone who has an illegal firearm, or knows someone who does, to turn them in using one of the various methods provided. The amnesty precludes you from being charged with possession of the weapon once you have stayed within the outlined parameters. Delaying or refusing to turn in illegal guns has its alternate consequences, which are significant and potentially dire.” 

With just 10 days left to do utilise the opportunity that the National Gun Amnesty presents to the community, the RCIPS encourages everyone to say no to guns, say no to violence and make the Cayman Islands Safer.