St John’s, Antigua (CMC) — The Antigua and Barbuda Government is urging people to take full advantage of a gun amnesty that started on Monday and ends at the end of the month, says it represents another opportunity for people to hand over unlawful firearms.

Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ambassador Lionel Hurst, said several individuals have already been brought before the courts and sentenced to up to two years in prison under the country’s updated firearms laws.

“This is yet another opportunity for people to hand over unlawful firearms. There’s now a mandatory jail sentence for those found in possession. So we urge individuals to do the right thing and turn them in,” added Hurst.

Cabinet had agreed to the gun amnesty initiative from Monday until April 30, aimed at reducing gun violence and removing illegal firearms and ammunition from the streets.

During the amnesty period, individuals are encouraged to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms and ammunition without fear of arrest or prosecution.

Additionally, the Government is also offering rewards for credible information that leads to the successful recovery of illegal weapons.

The authorities said that people can be assured that all police stations have been equipped and prepared to facilitate the safe and discreet handling of this process.

“All information shared with the police during this amnesty will be treated with strict confidentiality. Let us work together to keep our communities safe and free from the threats of illegal firearms,” the police said.

Hurst said that even one gun handed in could save a life, and reiterated that the goal is to create safer communities.

“We hope this measure will be seen as a final chance for individuals to avoid jail. This is about making Antigua and Barbuda safer for everyone,” Hurst added.