Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library

Jamaica. 2005 ‘Action at the National Level.’ National Report of Jamaica on its Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), p. 3. New York, NY: Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations. 1 January

Relevant contents

National Concerns

In spite of persistent efforts by Jamaica's law enforcement officials, the smuggling of arms into the country, often by ingenious methods, continues to be of serious concern. The trade in illicit weapons is linked to the illicit drug trade, as guns are often exchanged for drugs and also used by "gang members" to reinforce and protect their turf and contraband from their rivals.

The rise in violent crimes has subsequently led to the increase in private firearm permit holders and the mushrooming of private security firms. As of December 2004, there were approximately 50,000 licensed firearm holders in the country.

The smuggling of arms is not restricted to whole weapons but also parts of weapons and ammunition.

The statistics listed in the chart below highlight the serious effects that small arms have been having on Jamaica over the past four and a half years. Families and friends of victims have been traumatized and dislocated as a result of the deaths and injuries caused by the use of weapons by individuals who are bent on creating havoc across the island.

Guns Recovered:
up to June 2005: 306
2004: 620
2003: 517
2002: 481
2001: 546

Homicides using Small Arms and Light Weapons:
up to June 2005: 606
2004: 1,045
2003: 692
2002: 5,593
2001: 789

ID: Q1525

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