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'Not one firearm handed in' during amnesty period- CoP Collins

- said he is disappointed but RVIPF will continue to work with others to rid the VI of illegal firearms
Confident there are lots if illegal guns and ammunition in the communities of the Virgin Islands (VI), Commissioner of Police Mark Collins has expressed deep disappointment that not a single firearm was turned in during the 2-week amnesty period. Photo: VINO
The firearm amnesty in the Virgin Islands, from April 4, 2022, to April 18, 2022, yielded no results. Photo: Internet Source
The firearm amnesty in the Virgin Islands, from April 4, 2022, to April 18, 2022, yielded no results. Photo: Internet Source
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- Confident there are lots if illegal guns and ammunition in the communities of the Virgin Islands (VI), Commissioner of Police Mark Collins has expressed deep disappointment that not a single firearm was turned in during the 2-week amnesty period.

Speaking on JTV's Big Story with Cathy O. Richards on Thursday, April 21, 2022, Mr Collins revealed that the firearm amnesty this month yielded no results.

"We've introduced the amnesty from the 4th to the 18th of April, unfortunately, we didn't get any firearms handed in, not one firearm handed in."

'I am disappointed'- CoP Collins

Commissioner Collins said the amnesty was put in place following a suggestion by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and that the Force had reached out to community leaders while members of the government also appealed to the territory to seize the opportunity to turn in any illegal firearms.

"I am disappointed to say that we didn't get any firearms handed in because I know people out there know where guns are being harboured, loved ones know that their sons, their brothers, their sisters, they know where firearms are...and it was an opportunity to pass over weapons and it was a shame we didn't get any handed in."

The Commissioner said the RVIPF will continue to act on intelligence, as well as collaborate with other agencies and law abiding members of the community, to reduce the amount of illegal firearms in the territory.

Mr Collins recalled that for 2021 the RVIPF pulled the largest number of illegal firearms from the streets of the Virgin Islands.

"Last year we had our largest seizure ever, 31 firearms in 2021. In the last four months alone we have recovered 45 firearms and lots of these are prohibited high-powered rifles and are really really dangerous weapons."

22 Responses to “'Not one firearm handed in' during amnesty period- CoP Collins”

  • What did you expect? (24/04/2022, 13:43) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    We live among some of the dumbest, ignorant want to be wrong and strong at the same time people. They don’t take to kindly to anything that will better the safety of their Country.
    • @wHAT (24/04/2022, 14:51) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
      The BVI is far better off than where you are from or where you have been. You all sit around waiting for any reason to belittle the people of these islands. BVI is not the only place with gun issues and the ppl that need illegal firearms have them for a reason so they wont be giving them to the police whether BVI or anywhere else.
    • until then (24/04/2022, 21:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      @what you expect? Funny how Miss C***y didn’t endorse this; would have been kinda controversial for her to do it as well knowing that those are the type of people she’s hoping to vote for she. People around here don’t really care; look how quickly we them go back liming at all the events spots people was killed like it never happened. ah bunch of fakers on tola dread!!
  • Smh (24/04/2022, 13:43) Like (16) Dislike (16) Reply
    THE POLICE CANNOT BE TRUSTED
    • Really (24/04/2022, 14:04) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
      I guess you prefer to trust the gunman who shoot up the place
      • @ Really (24/04/2022, 14:47) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply

        i guess you prefer to trust those that came to the territory to uphold the laws yet transporting dope for the same gunmen

        I guess you prefer to trust those that arrived in our country to uphold laws yet pocket the money they take from the scene of the crime

        set stinking beast boys in our country: call the police department then ask a simple question where are some of those police boys that our court system granted bail

        I guess you have trust into those royal virgin islands police members that have big houses where they come from after using proceeds from criminal conduct

        you sick b***h



    • @Truth (24/04/2022, 15:34) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      I don’t feel like wasting my energy or time trying to explain to you anything because of your stupidity. So I guess you would prefer to side with the gunmen and put yourself or a love one at risk by getting shot up. As it is, the gunmen don’t care what time of day it is or where they choose to start spraying. I guess the spraying in the supermarket parking lot with innocent people going about their daily business didn’t mean anything to you.
  • See (24/04/2022, 14:08) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just how stupid can these cops be ? Surprised ?
  • Jessie (24/04/2022, 14:23) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    the police force under the governor and Collins are to corrupt and we could never trust them
    • Peaches (24/04/2022, 21:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If your gun was not used to commit a murder, what are you worrying about?
  • A (24/04/2022, 15:08) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply

    Oh my they want people to give up guns, just when they are about to #$%^& us again. They something up they sleeve again. About to change the book on us, to take our human right of choice of what goes into our bodies, watch out

  • mistrial? (24/04/2022, 15:31) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am disappointed with the cop and the dpp for the unlawful arrest,detention and charge of sgt marley sebastien,whom the judge said did not commit perjury when he testified in court in the on going trial of the 2 interdicted plocemen.I am disappointed with cop collins for that level of lawlessness from a uk appointed cop.
  • Eat a food vip government (24/04/2022, 16:55) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    So what did you expect? Just goes to show that you guys are living far from reality.
  • lmao (24/04/2022, 17:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    There was zero incentive for anyone to turn in any gun! I told my crew that I bet they wouldn't get a single gun. So said so done! People who have guns have them because they want them. If they want to get rid of their gun for some strange reason, then they would simply toss it in the trash or in the ocean. They don't need no Police gun amnesty. This shows how far out of touch the Police are with the streets and the average man, if the COP really expected this gun amnesty to work without an incentive.

    Now had they announced $1,000 for every firearm turned in with no questions asked...then they would have received some firearms.

    But there was absolutely no reason and no incentive for anyone to turn in a single gun. Clueless these people are! Try again!
  • Citizen (24/04/2022, 17:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Comish any guns found during stop and search just let the DPP, Judge, just the book at them, become you give them reasonable and fair time to turn them in
  • May as well (24/04/2022, 18:02) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    You would be better off brining in a elite swat team from outside to start making secret unannounced night raids on homes and businesses that is stashing the illegal weapons. NO EXCEPTIONS. Sometimes you have to shake people up in order to get results.
  • rubber duck (24/04/2022, 18:46) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    The police force must get two things; a local commissioner and put the rvipf under a minister, until then we will not give up guns or information
  • My guess (24/04/2022, 20:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is left to be seen how the situation is now handled. Are we gonna see a heavy handed approach or a sincere attempt to correct the underling causes of the lack of trust and suspicion. Listen to Phil Collins, Mark's cousin on Both Sides of the Story. That might be an eye opener.
  • Peaches (24/04/2022, 21:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Commissioner, you really thought that these criminals around here would turn in their guns when they have used them to commit several unsolved murders in this Territory throughout the years? Really?
  • Rod (25/04/2022, 03:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    A gun in hand is better than a cop on the phone.
  • T (25/04/2022, 09:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Top cop, don't you think it is important to have an amnesty for those unlicensed scooters . The riders committed suicide everyday. Send a proposal to the legislators to increase the penalties for riding without helmet, unlicensed scootesr, noisy scooters,defective scooters, to $2500.00. start charging the sellers for selling a bikes to unlicensed rider, reckless family members who purchase these scooters for their children.
  • Jane (25/04/2022, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the PR could have been better, I saw no billboards or news articles about this.


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