National Security Minister Martin Joseph last night declared war on illegal guns, saying the national security agencies were aware that they were now being shipped to this country in containers.
By Curtis WilliamsHe also announced that applicants for firearm licences had to be over 25 years and will now be required to undergo specialised training in the use of a firearm for at least a three-month period.
In an address to the nation last night, Joseph said it was crucial that Government took the guns off the country's streets since it was the weapon of choice in committing murder, robbery, kidnapping and other crimes.
Joseph said: "Greater co-ordination between the law enforcement agencies and Customs will detect and destroy the illegal trade in guns and ammunition that evidently are now being shipped in containers."
Joseph said the government had considered offering an amnesty to illegal gun holders but it was not considered practical and they decided that a more proactive approach was necessary.
He said part of the proactive approach included greater efforts to detect guns and warned that new high tech equipment would be used in the fight against gun proliferation.
The National Security Minister insisted: "We have also acquired new equipment that will detect hidden guns and ammunition in a manner previously unavailable to us. This is real and it is here. We will find the guns. This illegal activity will be stopped."
Faced with spiralling crime and declining government popularity due to its handling of the problem, Joseph said the laws had been updated which would increase the penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition with intention to endanger life from ten years in prison to life.
"If you are caught with an illegal firearm with intention to injure or harm any citizen you may spend the rest of your life in jail," he said.
Joseph also noted that the penalties for other firearm offences have also been increased in both fines and time in prison, including a fine of $5,000 for loss of firearm or ammunition due to negligence.
The National Security Minister said two new helicopters had been acquired to patrol the country's coastline and act on information received from the use of the new radar system.
