Cayman News Agency: RCIPS extends amnesty after surrender of two guns

CNS: The national gun amnesty, which began on July 1 and was due to end on July 31, has been extended to Sunday, August 11. In the first three weeks of the amnesty, only two guns were handed in, but police said they also received “significant amounts of ammunition,” as well as two spear guns with spears, which are illegal to use and import without a permit.

The RCIPS said it is extending the gun amnesty by one and a half weeks due to the disruption caused by Hurricane Beryl. This means people can turn in all illegal firearms, gun parts and ammunition without fear of prosecution or questioning until the end of August 11.

“We are grateful that members of the community have taken advantage of the gun amnesty,” said Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks. “However, we know that at least 90 illegal firearms continue to pose a threat to our communities and disrupt the lives of our citizens. We are hopeful that over the remainder of the amnesty we will see those 90 guns removed from our streets. This amnesty is a safe and secure way to do the right thing.”

He urged people to take advantage of the gun amnesty and turn in their illegal firearms and ammunition. He said: “I also want to address those who know of someone with an illegal firearm. You, too, have a role to play. Do the right thing and help us reduce the number of illegal guns in our community. Say no to guns. Say no to violence. Make Cayman safer.”

Community members, such as the Cayman Ministers’ Association, elected members and community leaders, have agreed to be the point of contact for people who wish to surrender their firearms but not come into direct contact with police. This allows the RCIPS to offer a variety of ways to surrender a firearm or lead police to a weapon.

Option 1: People can drop off firearms or ammunition at any police station. Well-packaged firearms can be placed in drop boxes at West Bay, Bodden Town and Little Cayman police stations. There are no drop boxes at George Town, Cayman Brac or East End police stations, so anyone wanting to drop off a firearm at those police stations should call 936-8026 to make arrangements.

Option 2: Hand over weapons or ammunition to trusted parties on the list, which includes pastors, members of Congress and community leaders. The list is available on the RCIPS website and posted below. These third parties would then arrange for the gun to be immediately handed over to the police.

Option 3: Information can be provided in the following ways: Cayman Islands Crime StoppersIndividuals can submit tips about the location of guns to the CCS website or by downloading the Cayman Islands Crime Stoppers app. That information will be passed on to police, who will recover the weapons.

Option 4: People can arrange to pick up their guns by calling 936-8026, contacting any police department or contacting an officer they know and trust.