In an effort to combat the escalating threat of violent crimes and firearms-related incidents, the Government of Grenada is set to introduce a gun amnesty.
Scheduled for deliberation during the upcoming session of both Houses of Parliament on March 26, the proposal seeks to empower the authorities in their quest to mitigate the proliferation of illegal firearms within the nation.
A firearm amnesty
The explanatory note accompanying the proposed legislation underscores the government’s belief in the efficacy of implementing a firearms amnesty as one of the strategic measures to achieve its objectives.
Citing concerns over national security and public safety, officials emphasize the necessity of reducing the circulation of illicit firearms and ammunition within the state.
Empowering the minister
Should the proposal garner approval, an amendment to the existing legislation will be instituted, granting the Minister the authority to declare a firearms amnesty in Grenada or any designated region.
This provision, subject to affirmative resolution, would enable individuals unlawfully possessing firearms or ammunition to surrender such items without fear of prosecution during the designated amnesty period.
Prime Minister’s announcement
Addressing the public during a recent press conference, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced the forthcoming amnesty, slated to span a duration of 90 days.
Mitchell elucidated that the initiative aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to voluntarily relinquish firearms without facing legal repercussions.
To facilitate this process, amendments to the existing legislation are deemed imperative, necessitating parliamentary support for the proposed policy.
Legal framework and consequences
Within the legal framework of Grenada, the term “firearm” encompasses a broad spectrum of lethal weaponry capable of discharging projectiles, including prohibited and restricted arms.
The 1968 Firearm Act stipulates stringent penalties for illegal possession, imposing fines ranging from four thousand to twenty thousand dollars, along with imprisonment sentences spanning two to five years for summary convictions.
In cases of indictable charges, fines escalate to a minimum of EC$20,000 and a maximum of EC$60,000, coupled with imprisonment terms extending from five to twenty years.
Tackling firearms menace through collaborative measures
As Grenada endeavors to tackle the menace of illicit firearms and curb the rising tide of violent crimes, the proposed gun amnesty stands as a pivotal measure within a broader strategy of collaborative law enforcement efforts and community engagement initiatives.
With parliamentary deliberations on the horizon, stakeholders anticipate a concerted endeavor to fortify the nation’s security landscape and foster a safer environment for all citizens.
