Holness Urges Citizens to Use Gun Amnesty to Surrender Illegal Weapons

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is advising citizens with illegal possession of firearms to use the courtesy that will be provided in the amnesty period to hand over the weapons to the authorities. 

Despite objections to the new Firearms Act that will pass Parliament on Friday, Holness is adamant there is no excuse for the illegal possession of firearms. Adding it will be left up to the Minister of National Security and the Parliament to determine the exact form of the amnesty. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness continues to sound a warning to illegal firearm holders and the danger the practice presents to those culprits. Speaking at the passing out parade and awards ceremony for 328 New Jamaica Constabulary Force (JFC) recruits, Prime Minister Holness condemned persons who describe the new firearms act as oppressive. 

Holness says these excuses only serve to empower criminals and make it harder for the new recruits to battle crime.  Holness predicts the next firearm bill will pass parliament on Friday shortly after which, it will become law. The bill proposes, among other things, a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for individuals convicted of illegal possession of a firearm.

Since the penalties have significantly increased, Holness says the Government of Jamaica will be implementing an amnesty period. He notes, that this period is a means of forewarning, and a sign of fairness and equity in the government, to give citizens with illegal firearms enough time to do what is right. Watch the full report:

Reporter:  Nasika Alliman

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