Following our exclusive story on the recent Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Firearm and Prohibited Weapons Amnesty, the RVIPF has since disclosed that some 11 firearms were yielded in the July amnesty period. Photo: RVIPF

Two of the firearms were surrendered with accompanying ammunition. Photo: RVIPF

Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has confirmed that the recently announced amnesty for illegal weapons has netted a number of such firearms as persons have been taking advantage of the period of absolution to avoid prosecution. Photo: VINO

The amnesty period was for the month of July. Photo: RVIPF

Premier Smith said that it is unclear how many illegal guns are on the streets. Photo: VINO

Two of the firearms were surrendered with accompanying ammunition.

According to a press release from the RVIPF today, August 10, 2015 Chief Firearms Officer Acting Chief Inspector Ernest Gumbs stated that the unit collected a 30-30 rifle; a .357 Magnum handgun along with 27 rounds of ammunition; a M-1911 .45 semi-auto pistol; a .38 snub noise revolver with 50 fifty rounds of ammunition; five air rifles and two air pistols.

It further stated that Commissioner of Police David Morris noted his delight that individuals exercised wisdom and made the choice during the month to rid themselves and others of these weapons and to do their part in establishing a safer Territory.

“We consider the July Weapons Amnesty a success not just for the RVIPF but for the Virgin Islands community. We believe there is a resurgence of those that believe that in order to reduce gun violence all those who live and work in these islands must do their part and actively participate in making the community safe. We were seeking the cooperation of families, friends and community in clearing homes and streets of illegal weapons and we are very encouraged by the response,” the Commissioner said.

Morris noted that the new Firearm and Air Gun (Amendment) Act may have also played a part in encouraging many to surrender their weapons.

“Neither the RVIPF nor lawmakers want to see persons, especially young men who often find themselves in contravention of this law, behind bars for lengthy sentences. The goal is to provide enough of a deterrent to rid the streets of illegal weapons,” he said.

With the introduction of this legislation persons found in possession of an illegal weapon will face stiffer sentences. Found guilty of unlawful possession, the minimum term is five to 15 years.

According to the press release, actively supporting July’s Amnesty for Firearms and Prohibited Weapons were His Excellency, the Governor John S. Duncan, Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith and the Deputy Premier Dr. the Hon. Kedrick D. Pickering.

See previous story published August 10, 2015

EXCLUSIVE: Many firearms being turned in during amnesty – Premier Smith

- unaware if surrendered firearms will undergo ballistic tests

Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith has confirmed that the recently announced amnesty for illegal weapons has netted a number of such firearms as persons have been taking advantage of the period of absolution to avoid prosecution.

Speaking exclusively to this news site yesterday August 9, 2015, Premier Smith said the amnesty has been labelled a success. The amnesty commenced in July 2015.

However, he said there is no way to tell how many illegal guns are on the street.

“The amnesty is on until the end of August I think. Some guns were taken in,” he said.

“Of course you know we are looking at the [Firearms and Air Guns (Amendment) Act 2015] because there are some things like paintball for which we have to make exemptions,” said Premier Smith.

That Act had prohibited any firearm made up in the form of a propelling pen or pencil, capable of being used for discharging gas, bullets, shot, dye or pyrotechnic flares or is capable of discharging any irritant in liquid, powder, gas or chemical form, any pyrotechnic flare or dye, or any article known as a paint ball.

Prohibited also is any firearm that appears to be some other article such as a walking stick, cane or key ring in order to disguise or conceal the fact that it is a firearm, and any cannon or other weapon which will expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, even if it is intended for life saving or distress signalling purposes.

Prohibited also is any device known as a powerhead that can be attached to the end of a spear gun and is designed to propel a projectile by means of an explosive and any electrical weapon such as that which is commonly known as Taser.

Following a public outcry, the Government is moving to amend the Act to correct what can be described as a gross oversight which saw necessary life-saving flare guns for boats being deemed illegal.

Happy with amnesty

Asked whether the Government is happy with the response so far to the amnesty, Premier Smith said, “yes.”

However, he said that there is no way to tell how many guns there are on the street. You can never tell how many guns are out there. There are always assumptions that there are many, many guns which are illegal but all we could do as a government is give the people the opportunity to turn in those guns which are considered illegal,” he said.

Not sure whether guns turned in will be tested

When asked whether guns turned in will be subject to ballistics testing with a view to determining whether or not they have been used in past crimes, Dr Smith said, “I can’t make a statement on that. I don’t really know if they will do that.”

He said that people investigate crime specifically when there is somebody suspected and would not look at testing all the guns as a matter of course. He then directed us to the Commissioner of Police on the question of whether guns brought in will be tested.

Efforts to get further information on the amnesty from Police Public Relations Officer Diane Drayton were unsuccessful.