BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 13, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – For the first time in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis, gang members have voluntarily surrendered their illegal firearms to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, further demonstrating their commitment to the continued peace initiative being experienced throughout the Federation.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Police Training School earlier today, Tuesday, August 13, 2019, acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilroy Brandy said a total of 30 illegal firearms and 73 rounds of sorted ammunition were handed over to the police through a trusted third party.
Addressing members of the media, Commissioner Brandy stated that, “Such an exercise has never taken place in the history of the Police Force or our country.”
This major development in the preservation of peace and calm in the country was applauded by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris and his Team Unity-led administration.
“The Cabinet commended the police on this major breakthrough. The intermediaries that facilitated this historic development have done yeoman’s service for our beloved country,” Dr. Harris stated in his remarks.
Prime Minister Harris indicated that this move by gang members in St. Kitts and Nevis to voluntarily hand over their illegal firearms is a clear sign of those individuals’ commitment to enduring peace.
“In my view, this is a very positive move and we are encouraged to invite, not just gang members, but anyone who have illegal weapons in their possession to hand them over to the police whether directly…or through a third party intermediary. Every illegal firearm recovered by our law enforcement represents one less dangerous weapon available to injure and kill our people,” the prime minister added.
In addition to the 30 illegal firearms handed over in recent weeks, 13 guns and assorted ammunition were discovered by members of the security forces during their various operations across the country throughout the year.
Speaking to the significance of the total number of guns removed from the streets so far for 2019, Prime Minister Harris said, “These 43 guns represent a significant number and it is the largest number of firearms ever recouped by the police for the comparative period. They represent a significant removal of weapons which could be used to injure, to harm and kill our citizens and residents.”
Acting Commissioner Brandy said the recovered firearms will undergo a process before they are destroyed.
