Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Bahamas
Stricter Gun Control Strategy in Bahamas to Counter Rise in Gun Trafficking
14 May 2012
Eleutheran (Bahamas)
NASSAU -- The Government of The Bahamas will introduce a National Firearms
Control Strategy to counter the proliferation of illegal firearms within the country, Minister of
National Security Dr. the Hon. Bernard B.J. Nottage said Monday.
Dr. Nottage said violence associated with the use of those firearms will be reduced as a result of the Strategy. Dr. Nottage said the National Strategy, along with an improved gun registry, the marking and tracing of weapons, improved... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Eleutheran (Bahamas)
36125
Trinidad & Tobago,Caribbean
Police Under Fire for Renting Guns to Criminals in Trinidad & Tobago
17 April 2012
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Law enforcement officers will be placed under greater scrutiny as Government moves to clamp down on those who sell or rent state-issued weapons to criminals. Minister of National Security John Sandy made the announcement at the Police Academy, St James, yesterday while delivering the feature address at the opening of a sub-regional inter-training course on combating the illicit trafficking in firearms and explosives for the Caribbean states. "Let me state categorically... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
36038
Jamaica
Jamaica Acquires Two Marking Machines to Help Stem Illegal Gun Trafficking
30 March 2012
Caribbean Press Releases
KINGSTON - The Government is to acquire two firearm marking machines to assist with efforts to stem the illegal trafficking in small arms.
The Dot Peen machines will allow the authorities to trace weapons by placing marks on them, which cannot be easily erased, should they fall into the possession of criminals.
They will be procured by the Ministry of National Security as part of a co-operation agreement with the Organization of American States (OAS), which was signed... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean Press Releases
35974
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Gun Amnesty Nets 400 Firearms, 30,000 Rounds of Ammo
12 March 2012
Daily Sun (Puerto Rico)
The government has pulled out of circulation more than 400 firearms as well as more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition since last month's amnesty to turn them in came into effect, said the Secretary of Sports and Recreation, Henry Neumann.
"We have already collected over 400 firearms throughout Puerto Rico … more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition have been delivered to us as of 4 p.m. on Saturday, and we are letting the people know of the success behind this measure and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Sun (Puerto Rico)
35911
Jamaica,El Salvador,Honduras,South America,Venezuela
Most Gun Homicide Victims in Venezuela Males 15-24 Years Old [Espanol]
12 March 2012
El Tiempo (Bogotá) / AFP
[Translated summary: 93% of homicide victims recorded in 2011 in Venezuela were males aged between 15 and 24 years. The vast majority died by gunshot.]
CARACAS - Homicidios y secuestros no dan tregua; así lo reveló un estudio divulgado este lunes en Caracas.
De acuerdo con este informe, el año pasado fue el más sangriento en la historia reciente de Venezuela, con la mayor tasa de homicidios y secuestros, a la vez que la violencia en las cárceles se cobró un... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: El Tiempo (Bogotá) / AFP
35904
Jamaica
Soaring Gun Death Body Count, Gun Crime & Injury Figures in Jamaica
9 March 2012
Jamaica Observer
ACED with harsh criticism over the recent killing of innocent persons during an operation in Denham Town earlier this week, the police have sought to assure the country that they are determined to reduce the body count as the try to beat back the crime monster.
Speaking in this week's force orders, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, pointed to the difficult conditions members of the constabulary work under.
"We are determined to reduce incidence of fatal encounters... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
35899
Jamaica
Police Shootings, Trigger-happy Tactics Prompt Outrage in Jamaica
8 March 2012
San Francisco Chronicle / AP
KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Security personnel armed with M16s and machine guns manned roadblocks and detained dozens of young men Thursday as part of a crackdown in a Jamaican ghetto where a 13-year-old girl, two elderly men and three others were killed during reported shootouts between police and gunmen.
Residents of the Denham Town slum in West Kingston blame officers for Monday's killings and the gritty area has been under curfew amid an ongoing security operation to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: San Francisco Chronicle / AP
35897
Timor-Leste,Thailand,Sri Lanka,Myanmar,Indonesia,South Asia,South East Asia,Israel,Iran,Cuba,United States,Japan,China,Brunei,Philippines,Pakistan,India,Asia
UN Urges Asian Nations to Help Curb Global Trade in Illegal Guns
6 March 2012
Jakarta Post
The United Nations is urging all nations in the Asia region to implement concrete solutions to stop illegal trading in small arms and light weapons.
"Over the past decades, trade has made this region grow so phenomenally. If you are a region where international trade is what makes you tick, you better also make sure that you are seen as doing trade in the right way," UN disarmament affairs official Daniel Prins told reporters on the sidelines of opening the Asian... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jakarta Post
35886
Estonia,Dominican Republic,Ecuador,Ukraine,Kyrgyzstan,Moldova,Kazakhstan,Belize,Latvia,Venezuela,Belarus,Lithuania,Bahamas,Bolivia,Azerbaijan,Russia,Antigua & Barbuda,Guyana,South Africa,Jamaica,Honduras,Guatemala,El Salvador,South America,Colombia,Brazil,Central America,Caribbean
1/3 of Femicides Committed With Gun in Latin America and Caribbean [Espanol]
2 March 2012
RT-TV Novosti (Russia)
[Translated summary: Nearly a third of crimes against women are committed with a firearm and in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras this indicator is 60% - Small Arms Survey.]
El mayor nivel de feminicidios se registra en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Catorce países latinoamericanos aparecen entre los 25 del mundo con la tasa más elevada de crímenes contra la mujer.
El informe de la organización de investigaciones independientes Small Arms Survey,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: RT-TV Novosti (Russia)
35882
Philippines,Trinidad & Tobago,Zimbabwe,Zambia,Uganda,Tanzania,Senegal,Congo (DRC),Pakistan,Nigeria,Niger,Namibia,Morocco,Mauritania,Malawi,Madagascar,Côte d'Ivoire,Burkina Faso,Botswana,Egypt,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Ghana,China,United States,Austria,Russia,Israel,Bahrain,Asia,Africa,Brazil
Brazil Arms Exports: Country Preaches Peace, Sells Tons of Arms
28 February 2012
Huffington Post (USA)
A small, scratched metal can thrown on the ground created Brazil's first diplomatic embarrassment of 2012. The canister of tear gas had been collected by pro-democracy activists in Bahrain. Stamped across the can in blue was a Brazilian flag and the words 'MADE IN BRAZIL.'
One year had passed since Bahrain became the stage for pro-democracy protests by the majority Shiites against the Sunni monarchy commanded by king Hamad bin-Isa Khalifa. The protesters had been... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Huffington Post (USA)
35870
Dominican Republic
Guns Used in 66% of Homicides in Dominican Republic [Espanol]
27 February 2012
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: In the last seven years in Dominican Republic, 10,955 people were killed with bullets. Firearms are used in 66% of homicides.]
SANTO DOMINGO - En enero de 2011, desconocidos asesinaron al teniente coronel Virgilio Casilla Minaya, en momentos en que departía junto a su esposa en un colmado del barrio La Fe, de Los Alcarrizos.
Cuatro meses después, fue encontrado muerto un mecánico en la autovía del Este, en San Pedro de Macorís. Al... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
35863
Italy,Philippines,United States,Russia,Germany,Czech Republic,China,Botswana,Oceania,Americas,Africa,Asia,Europe,Central Africa,Caribbean,South America,Central America,Zimbabwe,Namibia,Mozambique,Congo (DRC),Angola,Swaziland,South Africa,Southern Africa
High Gun Death Risk for Young African Men, Women at Home - UN Study
19 February 2012
Southern Times (Southern Africa)
WINDHOEK - Young men in Southern Africa are at the greatest risk of cold-blooded murder, while women in the region are more likely than others from around the world to be killed in domestic violence, a UN agency says.
The statistics from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) come as the region battles to contain the proliferation of gun-related crimes.
Experts have said gun-related crime is a major problem in South Africa and Swaziland, and is on the rise in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Southern Times (Southern Africa)
35844
Haiti
Around 200,000 Guns in Circulation in Haiti - Analysis [Francais]
15 February 2012
Mondialisation (Canada)
[Translated summary: The large majority of the Haitian population is composed of poor, unable to exercise their constitutional right to armed self-defence by regularly importing or purchasing weapons. However, this segment of the population was the first one to suffer the consequences of the increasing criminality and tried to protect itself. Thus was born a local and artisanal production of firearms called "Creole" that, in addition to imported firearms, has fueled the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Mondialisation (Canada)
35834
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic: 181,381 New Gun Licences in 8 Months [Espanol]
15 February 2012
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: The acquisition of firearms in Dominican Republic has increased significantly in recent months, the number rose to 333,436 licences to possess and carry firearms with 181,381 new gun licences in the past 8 months. These numbers attest the interest for Dominicans to equip themselves for self-defence.]
CON ESAS LICENCIAS 333,436 PERSONAS POSEEN DISTINTAS ARMAS DE FUEGO
SANTO DOMINGO - La adquisición de armas de fuego en el país ha registrado un... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
35831
Barbados
Gun Club Officials Charged Over Illegal Machine Guns in Barbados
13 February 2012
Real Jamaican Radio
Shooting clubs and gun dealers in Barbados are at the centre of police investigations following the discovery of a number of unregistered high powered weapons.
Among the weapons were a number of M4 assault rifles used for single and automatic fire, President Barbados Rifle Association (BRA), Michael Holder, club secretary Debbie Holder and committee member Richard Arthur, were charged with illegal possession of firearms and or ammunition. Another club member was being... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Real Jamaican Radio
35830
Haiti,Caribbean,United States,Jamaica
Jamaica Destroys Thousands of Guns to Combat Trafficking and Crime
7 February 2012
Chicago Tribune / AP
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Roughly 2,000 firearms were melted down in a blazing furnace Tuesday as part of an effort designed to combat gun trafficking and corruption in Jamaica while reducing violent crime.
Police, government and U.N. officials destroyed pistols and revolvers by pitching them into a kiln glowing bright orange at a cement factory in the capital of Kingston. Most of the guns were decommissioned or seized in police operations over the years.
National... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Chicago Tribune / AP
35806
Barbados
Barbados Gun Dealer, Gun Lobby Leader Faces Illegal Firearm Charges
4 February 2012
Stabroek News (Guyana)
A gun dealer charged with not only failing to register his transactions but with possession of 21 guns – some of them high-powered weapons – without the proper licences was remanded after a late afternoon court appearance yesterday.
Michael Holder, 43, of Christ Church, had 25 charges, including 21 charges of possession of illegal firearms, read to him by Magistrate Graveney Bannister. Holder appeared in the District "A" Magistrates' Court.
The president of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Stabroek News (Guyana)
35801
Jamaica,United States,Caribbean
Jamaica Calls on US for Concrete Support in Fight Against Illegal Gun Trafficking
4 February 2012
South Florida Caribbean News
WASHINGTON, DC - Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Audrey Marks has called on the United States government to work with the Caribbean to fulfil the 2007 pledge made by the USA and CARICOM Member States to enhance co-operation in eradicating the illegal gun trade in the Region.
Ambassador Marks told a hearing on US-Caribbean Security Cooperation that was held by the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control on Wednesday, that... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: South Florida Caribbean News
35800
Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand
Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Publica (Brazil)
35794
Haiti,Dominican Republic
Most Guns Smuggled in Dominican Republic by Air and Sea, Not from Haiti
4 January 2012
Dominican Today
SANTO DOMINGO - Most of the weapons are smuggled into the country by air and sea and not across the border as widely believed, Interior and Police minister Jose Ramon Fadul affirmed Tuesday, who stated his concern and said Haiti cannot be blamed for everything.
"Haiti is not the only one way guns enter, the number which enters that way is the minimum. Haiti cannot be blamed for everything."
When asked why so many criminals are better armed than the authorities, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Dominican Today
35706
Cayman Islands,United States
US Federal Police Investigate Florida-Cayman Islands Gun Smuggling Ring
12 December 2011
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
United States federal law enforcement authorities are investigating a firearms smuggling operation between south Florida and Grand Cayman that's been ongoing since at least 2008, according to US District Court records obtained by the Caymanian Compass.
The investigation, a branch of which led to the 2009 arrest, conviction and incarceration of four local men in US federal prison, caught up with a fifth suspect, Mikkyle Brandon Leslie – known in Cayman as Brandon... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35651
Caribbean,Cuba
Cuba to Help Caribbean Nations Fight Illegal Drugs, Arms Trade
10 December 2011
Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
Cuban President Raul Castro has offered to assist Caricom to combat the illicit trade in small arms and narcotics.
This was identified by St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas as one of several points of agreement contained in the Declaration of Port-of-Spain which was released following the conclusion of the Fourth Caricom-Cuba Summit at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain on Thursday night.
Addressing a news conference... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
35653
Jamaica,Honduras,Israel,Canada,Norway,Australia,Colombia,El Salvador,United States,Venezuela,Pakistan,Mexico
Armed Societies, Another Tragedy for Women: Mexico, Pakistan, Venezuela
9 December 2011
Inter Press Service News Agency
CARACAS - Kairobis Arcia, 25, died from a bullet to her head shot by her husband, Oswaldo Mendoza, 32, who said he was blinded by jealousy in an argument fuelled by alcohol and drugs.
Her murder was just one of the more than 468,000 homicides a year that occur worldwide, 42 percent of which are committed with firearms. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the global murder rate is 6.9 per 100,000 people – 11.9 per 100,000 among men and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
35654
Jamaica
Jamaica Mandates that All 25,000 Licensed Firearms Must Be Re-marked
9 December 2011
Jamaica Observer
The Government has mandated that all licensed firearms be provided with traceable security marks as it modernises the country's anti-gang legislation as part of the fight against crime.
Following a decision taken by the Cabinet, all holders of licensed firearms will have to present them to the licensing authority to be marked when being licensed by special machines to be acquired under an agreement with the Organisation of American States.
"This is important for us to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
35648
Venezuela,Peru,Ecuador,Chile,Bolivia,Paraguay,Brazil,Argentina,Mexico,Colombia,Uruguay,United States,North America,South America,Central America,Caribbean
Latin American Governments Target Gun Runners, Countries Making Guns
28 November 2011
United Press International
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay - Latin America's increasingly ambitious Mercosur regional bloc is aiming to focus on small arms suppliers who are seen as being behind the region's endemic and seemingly insurmountable problem of violent crime.
The area's disparate armed groups, guerrillas with political agenda and drug-related gangs have drawn attention from Mercosur's watchdog committees as senior officials explore ways of containing organized crime, rooting out myriad networks... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: United Press International
35594
South America,Central America,Caribbean,Guatemala
Guatemala Commits to Gun Marking in Cooperation Agreement [Espanol]
28 November 2011
EFE News Agency
[Translated Summary: A cooperation agreement with the Organization of American States (OAS) commits Guatemala to mark firearms in order to help prevent illegal gun trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the first year of the agreement, the General Directorate for Firearms and Munitions Control (DIGECAM) is required to register about 1,500 guns a month.]
Guatemala - Guatemala publicó hoy un acuerdo de cooperación con la Organización de Estados Americanos... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: EFE News Agency
35593
Guatemala,United States,Mexico,Costa Rica,South America,Caribbean,Central America
Gun Trade Drives Soaring Latin American Homicide Rates, say Experts
24 November 2011
AFP
SAN JOSE — Illegal weapons trafficking has turned Latin America into a region of bloodletting in which over 40 percent of the world's homicides take place, experts warned Wednesday.
"Forty-two percent of homicides with a firearm that happen worldwide take place in Latin America, though only 10 percent of the world's population lives here," said Nobel laureate and former president Oscar Arias, citing UN data, at a conference of experts.
Although weapons such as... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: AFP
35583
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Cops Sold Guns, Ammo Earmarked for Destruction - Probe On
23 November 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Express
A criminal investigation has been launched into reports that guns and ammunition, earmarked for destruction, were sold by certain police officers to criminal elements in Tobago.
The investigation, which is being undertaken by members of the Professional Standards Unit of the Police Service—headed by ACP Raymond Craig—has identified several police officers from the Tobago Division as being involved in the illegal activities.
It was triggered just over a year ago... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
35571
Cayman Islands
Changes to Cayman Firearm Law Would Allow Warrant-less Gun Searches
18 November 2011
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
Changes proposed for the Cayman Islands Firearms Law would allow for warrant-less searches of homes and individuals where police officers have "reasonable cause" to suspect someone possesses an illegal firearm.
Such a provision currently exists in instances where police suspect illegal drugs are being kept in a home, car or are being held by the individual. However, lawmakers have resisted in past years attempts to provide police with the same powers in regard to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35567
Cayman Islands
Cayman Police Require Storage Inspection for Gun Licence Approval
18 November 2011
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
A man whose firearm licence was not renewed this year lost his appeal this week to the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal.
Technically, Dennie Warren Jr. was applying for an extension of time so he could seek judicial review of the Commissioner of Police's decision not to renew his firearm user's licence for a Winchester shotgun. Court president Sir John Chadwick told him that judicial review is a procedure for cases in which there was no alternative remedy, but the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35551
United States,South America,Central America,Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
US Gives Marking Machine to Trinidad Police, 300 Guns Marked per Month
17 November 2011
Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
The Police Service will use a new firearms laser marking machine to mark an average of 300 firearms per month over the course of next year.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made this statement at a brief ceremony to receive one of those machines at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain yesterday. The machine was donated to the police by the United States (US) government through the Organisation of American States.
Persad-Bissessar said on July 27, Government entered... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
35552
Turks & Caicos
Gun Licensing, Processing Regulations to Be Revised in Turks and Caicos
17 November 2011
FP Turks and Caicos
Police are in the process of "completely revising and enhancing" laws controlling the ownership of firearms and other weapons in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
"The process will be also designed to regulate certain types of firearms and weapons, to help develop an appropriate legislation that prevents the misuse of firearms and to enhance public safety," police said in a statement.
Police Assistant Superintendent Darron Williams has been named Chief Firearms Officer.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: FP Turks and Caicos
35550
Guatemala,El Salvador,Mexico,United States,Honduras,South America,Central America,Caribbean
Latin American Leaders Demand International Action on Arms Trafficking
11 November 2011
InSight Crime (Bogota)
The 2011 Ibero-American Summit, held in Asuncion, Paraguay in October, was criticized for its failures, but leaders used the platform to call attention to the global arms trade and demand international cooperation on more effective measures to fight weapons trafficking and organized crime.
At the close of the summit, the member countries issued a separate and special declaration (available in pdf format here) defining public security as a precondition for economic and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: InSight Crime (Bogota)
35537
Dominican Republic
US Baseball Hero Cleared of Celebratory Shooting in Dominican Republic
9 November 2011
BBC News
Dominican Republic baseball star Alfredo Simon has been cleared of charges over a fatal shooting in the country on 1 January.
Simon, pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, was accused of shooting dead one man and injuring another during New Year celebrations.
Defence lawyers said the prosecution had failed to prove he fired the shots.
The baseball player was held for two months earlier this year as the main suspect before being released on bail.
Simon was accused of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BBC News
35521
Virgin Islands (UK)
Virgin Islands Police Purge, Destroy Guns Stored at Police Stations
8 November 2011
Virgin Islands Daily News
If you've had a firearm placed for safekeeping with the Virgin Islands Police Department for more than a year, it's time to check in.
The Police Department issued a statement Monday saying that its Firearms Bureaus in both districts are reviewing the guns left with them for safekeeping by registered gun owners.
Under V.I. Code, firearms left in the Police Department's care that have remained unclaimed by the owner for at least 12 months can be considered abandoned,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Virgin Islands Daily News
35518
Bahamas
80% of Guns in Bahamas Unlicensed or Possessed Illegally - New Study
4 November 2011
Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
More than 80 percent of the guns in The Bahamas that should be licensed are kept illegally, a study on guns in the country has estimated.
"It appears that the majority of firearms are kept in breach of licenses. Even if the firearm is licensed, if its primary purpose is not for hunting, as in the case of shotguns and rifles, then the firearm is being kept in breach of its permit," said the study, which is the second of a three-part study on guns in the country.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
35513
Bahamas
Final Appeal as Bahamas Gun Amnesty Nears End
1 November 2011
Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
With just two days before the gun amnesty comes to an end, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest made a final appeal for people to turn in their illegal weapons.
Midway through the amnesty period, 18 firearms and 3,386 live rounds of ammunition had been delivered to police. Yesterday, Turnquest confirmed that a few more guns have been turned in since then.
"We're asking people to turn in their guns. The new amendments to the Firearms Act will come into force next... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
35494
Mexico,Congo (DRC),Sudan,Central African Republic,Sri Lanka,Colombia,Jamaica,Iraq,El Salvador,Central Africa,Caribbean,Central America,South America
Study Finds Again That Crime, Not War is Main Source of Gun Violence
29 October 2011
Associated Press
GENEVA — More people are killed by armed violence resulting from crime than are killed in war, with Latin America and a swath of countries through the middle of Africa among the hardest hit, an international study claimed Thursday.
About 526,000 people die violently every year — or more than 1,400 people every day — according to the 2011 Global Burden of Armed Violence report.
Only about 55,000 of those killed die in warfare, while an estimated 396,000 people... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
35488
Jamaica
Jamaica Firearms Act Conflicts with Constitution, Says Rev's Lawyer
27 October 2011
Jamaica Gleaner
Despite this, attorney-at-law Leslie Campbell said Miller is still considering whether to appeal his conviction last month for negligence resulting in the loss or theft of his licensed firearm.
"There are serious constitutional issues arising from the case which we have to consider appealing," Campbell told The Gleaner yesterday.
"It's an option that is still open to us. We have to get the notes from the trial and we have 14 days in which to file an appeal."
Miller,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
35464
Guatemala,El Salvador,Caribbean,South America,Central America,Mexico,United States
Authorities Discussed California's Role as a Pipeline for Illegal Guns to Mexico
25 October 2011
Southern California Public Radio (USA)
State and local officials were joined by Mexican law enforcement in Los Angeles Tuesday to discuss California's role as a pipeline for illegal weapons to Mexican drug cartels.
Authorities say California actually ranks much lower than other border states in gun trafficking. But the state's highways are often used to transport the weapons.
State Senator Kevin De Leon chairs the Senate Select Committee on Immigration and the Economy. The L.A. Democrat says federal... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Southern California Public Radio (USA)
35462
Bahamas
Bahamas Police Seized and Marked 361 Illegal Guns So Far
24 October 2011
Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said last week that 361 illegal guns have been marked and taken off the streets with the police force's new firearms marking machine. This figure does not include the 18 guns turned in so far under the 30-day gun amnesty, set to expire on November 3.
In 2010 police confiscated 261 weapons.
In his contribution to the debate on the package of anti-crime bills last week Wednesday, Turnquest said that "firearms marking is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
35455
Jamaica
Police High Command to Tighten Handgun Carrying Control for Jamaica Cops
23 October 2011
Jamaica Gleaner
In a bid to prevent unauthorised members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) from carrying service revolvers, the Police High Command is to implement a new system called the Firearm Authorisation and Identification System (FAIS).
The new system of checks and balances is also designed to impede armed criminals from taking advantage of cracks in the current system that quite often allows a person to get by with a gun if he or she presents a police identification... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
35446
Bahamas
Owners of Unlicensed Handguns Urged to Hand them to Bahamas Police
17 October 2011
Tribune (Bahamas)
Bishop Simeon Hall appealed to all persons in possession of an unlicensed firearm yesterday to turn them in to the authorities during the government's one-month amnesty period.
According to the Minister of National Security, Tommy Turnquest, this firearm amnesty period, which began on October 5 comes to an end on November 4.
Persons who have illegal firearms can hand them over to authorities without fear of prosecution to police stations in New Providence, Grand... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
35423
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
2,577 Firearms Seized, 1,650 Firearms Destroyed in Trinidad & Tobago
15 October 2011
Newsday (Trinidad & Tobago)
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday donned special protective gear as she manned a large saw and destroyed a gun — one of 1,650 weapons comprising illegal firearms and obsolete firearms from the Defence Force — which were destroyed over the past week.
The PM accompanied a team of security officials including National Security Minister John Sandy and Commissioner of Police Dwayne Gibbs at a ceremonial firearms destruction event at the Police Academy in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Newsday (Trinidad & Tobago)
35417
Cayman Islands
Cayman to Establish a Firearms Authority to Decide Who Gets a Licence
13 October 2011
Cayman News Service
The country's legislators had another rare moment of harmony on Wednesday when they all voted to support a private member's motion to establish a firearms authority to decide who gets a gun licence.
Currently, it is the commissioner of police alone who makes the decision to grant or deny a firearms license to an applicant on Grand Cayman but legislatures have voted to amend legislation which will see the country's top cop share the decision with at least three local... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman News Service
35410
Europe,North America,St Lucia,Barbados,Antigua & Barbuda,Trinidad & Tobago,St Kitts & Nevis,Jamaica,Bahamas,Caribbean
Caribbean Nations Demand Global Gun Trade Treaty to Curb Armed Crime
11 October 2011
Caribbean 360 (Barbados)
NEW YORK, United States - Battling the scourge of rising crime and violence and some of the world's highest murders rates, Caribbean nations are appealing to the United Nation for help.
They are urging the world body to help them stem the unrelenting flow of guns and ammunition to the region.
From the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Kitts-Nevis, countries with some of the world's highest homicide rates, Trinidad and Tobago, which already has a state of emergency in place... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean 360 (Barbados)
35396
Caribbean,South America,Central America,Trinidad & Tobago
Increase in Trinidad Gun Crimes the Result of Drug-Trafficking, Gangs
11 October 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy says an increase in gun-related crimes is the result of drug-trafficking and gang violence over the past ten years in T&T. He said because of the country's geographical location T&T faced the direct effects of the illicit drug-trafficking and illegal firearms trades.
"We know full well that firearms remain a major threat to this country. These firearms fuel drug-trafficking and gang violence and other criminal activity."... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
35394
Cayman Islands
'Burden of Proof' Should Be on Gun Suspects, Say Cayman Police
11 October 2011
Cayman Compass (Cayman Islands)
Cayman's top cop is advocating a major change in the way the 'burden of proof' is applied in court with regard to firearms possession cases.
Expanding and clarifying comments made on the subject by Governor Duncan Taylor last month, Police Commissioner David Baines said Friday that what's being reviewed with the attorney general's office now is essentially a "reversal" in the burden of proof for people found in possession of unlicensed guns in their homes or vehicles.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman Compass (Cayman Islands)
35392
Southern Africa,Central Africa,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Africa,South America,Central America,Caribbean
Men Most Affected by Homicide, 40-60% Involve Guns, Says UN [Francais]
5 October 2011
Le Parisien (France) / AFP
[Translated summary: According to a new report on homicide from UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), most of the 468,000 homicides in 2010 took place in Africa and in Latin America. Firearms were involved in 42%. In Central America and the Caribbean, firearms were involved in three quarters of the homicides.]
La plupart des 468.000 homicides commis dans le monde en 2010 ont eu lieu en Afrique et en Amérique latine et concernent surtout des hommes, a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Le Parisien (France) / AFP
35377
Bahamas
Gun Amnesty in the Bahamas a Bad Idea, Says Opposition Leader
5 October 2011
Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville McCartney said yesterday the government should reconsider its moratorium on illegal firearms.
"If they have the gun then we need to deal with them,"McCartney said.
"Don't give them any amnesty. Let's find them, get them and deal with them. You want the criminal element to respect the law. We want them to know that they should not be doing things because there will be consequences. I don't know if what is proposed... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
35372
Bahamas
Bahamas Prime Minister Announces Amnesty for Unlicensed Guns
4 October 2011
Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
Calling his address last night "one of the more distressing national addresses" he has ever given, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced an amnesty period for illegal weapons to be turned in, tougher penalties for people found guilty of gun crimes and the addition of two gun courts.
Ingraham advised that for a period of 30 days following the introduction of amendments to the Firearms Act tomorrow, all citizens and other persons are requested to turn in to police any... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
35353
Colombia,Venezuela,Guatemala,Mexico,El Salvador,Honduras,South America,Central America,Caribbean
Epidemic of Gun Violence in Latin America - United Nations Data
4 October 2011
UN Dispatch (new York)
As the drug trade — and the organized crime it spawns — spread through Latin America, the region is facing an epidemic of gun violence, according to new U.N. data. Speaking at a conference on the subject in Lima, Peru, Camilo Duplat of the Regional Center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean announced that some 740,000 Latin Americans are dying annually in gun violence, and 500,000 of those deaths are linked to organized crime.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: UN Dispatch (new York)
35352
St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts & Nevis Police Commissioner Denies Stalling Firearm Licences
30 September 2011
St Kitts & Nevis Observer
Police Commissioner CG Walwyn denies allegations that he is refusing to issue new firearm licenses.
CoP Walwyn, who has been in office just one month, told The Observer the allegations were ridiculously false, since he would have nothing to gain by doing so.
"I took up this position on September 1st and in the last couple of weeks there has been a lot of pomp and circumstance and as a result I have been extremely busy. I have absolutely nothing to gain by holding up... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: St Kitts & Nevis Observer
35381
Peru,Mexico,Venezuela,Colombia,Central America,El Salvador,Honduras,Caribbean,South America
80 Million Firearms in Latin America and the Caribbean [Espanol]
29 September 2011
Andina (Lima)
[Translated summary: There are 80 million firearms in Latin America and the Caribbean, the majority of them in the hands of civilians. In Honduras and El Salvador, there are respectively 77 and 62 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Central America has the world's highest homicide rate.]
LIMA - Alrededor de 80 millones de armas de fuego existen en América Latina y el Caribe, la mayor parte en poder de civiles, lo que acrecienta el problema de la violencia en el... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Andina (Lima)
35345
Caribbean,Jamaica
Tighter Regulation Needed on Small Arms Trade, said Jamaica at UN
27 September 2011
Middle East North Africa Financial Network
An international regime is needed to regulate the sale and transfer of small and light weapons, Jamaica's Deputy Prime Minister told the General Assembly's annual general debate today.
"Jamaica, like its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners, continues to face severe threats to our long-term socio-economic development from the illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, small arms and light weapons and ammunition," Kenneth Baugh said .
Mr. Baugh said progress on the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Middle East North Africa Financial Network
35337
Dominican Republic
481 Guns Seized by Police in Dominican Republic [Espanol]
24 September 2011
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: An average of two illegal firearms have been seized per day by the Dominican Republic Police. These guns add to the 481 (pistols, shotguns, rifles and revolvers) seized in the first seven months of this year for illegal possession, crime, or expired licences.]
Un promedio de dos armas de fuego han sido decomisadas cada día en lo que va de septiembre de manos de delincuentes por la Policía Nacional y la Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
35325
Barbados,United States,Trinidad & Tobago
Electronic Tracing Begins on 102 Seized Guns in Trinidad & Tobago
22 September 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Electronic tracing has begun on the 102 firearms which were recovered since the state of emergency was implemented on August 21. The electronic tracing system, also known as eTrace, is being conducted by police officers of the Crime and Problem Analysis Branch (CAPA). CAPA previously was known as the Modus Operandi Unit of the Police Service. The eTrace system is a web-based firearm trace request submission system that provides for the electronic exchange of crime gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
35314
Trinidad & Tobago
Police Body Seeks to Clear the Air on Trinidad's Destruction of Illegal Guns
21 September 2011
Caricom News Network (Jamaica)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Anand Ramesar said Wednesday that Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar may have spoken out of turn when she said that a United Nations team would be arriving here next month to help destroy illegal guns in the country.
Persad Bissessar told reporters following her return from the United Nations on Tuesday that whilst in New York she met with the UN authorities who work at... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caricom News Network (Jamaica)
35322
Puerto Rico,United States
Puerto Rico and US to Join Forces Against Gun Trafficking [Espanol]
20 September 2011
EFE News Agency
[Translated summary: Puerto Rico announced the creation of a joint unit between local security forces and US federal agenncies, designed to combat illegal gun trafficking and rising armed crime in Puerto Rico.]
SAN JUAN - El gobernador Luis Fortuño anunció hoy la creación de una unidad conjunta entre fuerzas de seguridad locales y federales diseñada para luchar contra el tráfico de armas ilegales y combatir el alza de crímenes violentos en Puerto Rico.
Fortuño... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: EFE News Agency
35327
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
UN Team Plans Visit to Destroy Illegal Guns in Trinidad & Tobago
20 September 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Express
A United Nations (UN) team will be coming next month to help destroy some of the illegal guns in this country, says Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
She was speaking yesterday morning at Piarco International Airport upon her return from New York where she attended the UN's 66th General Assembly.
Questioned on the small arms treaty and drug trafficking, the Prime Minister said whilst on her one-day trip to New York she met with the UN authorities who work at... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
35312
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Firearm Law Needs to Be Tweaked to Help the Police
20 September 2011
Cayman Islands News
Following a meeting with elected and official members of government Monday, the Cayman Islands governor announced possible changes to the law to help police get the suspects involved in the recent resurgence of gang violence behind bars, in particular the firearms law. The governor said it may be changed to allow police to search homes without a search warrant when they suspect illegal weapons are hidden there. Duncan Taylor said it was a priority to get the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman Islands News
35296
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad: 'For Such a Small Country, a Large Number of Illegal Guns'
12 September 2011
Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
Nine more guns including a high-powered AK 47 assault rifle, have been recovered by the police within the past three days in various exercises in North, Central and West Trinidad from Friday to yesterday. This brings to 88 the number of guns seized since the start of the State of Emergency (SOE) on August 22.
A nitrogen cannister believed to be used in the manufacturing of silencers for firearms was also recovered and seized. A silencer is a component of a firearm used... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
35258
Iraq,Caribbean,Jamaica,Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Now Rivals Jamaica As the Most Violent Country in Caribbean
10 September 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Express
Trinidad and Tobago now rivals Jamaica as the most violent country in the Caribbean, with the number of annual murders rising sharply from 98 to 550 over the last decade, with some areas in the Port of Spain police division being listed among the most dangerous in the world.
This is the finding of a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) draft report on Human Development and Citizen Security in the Caribbean, which noted, among other things, that the murder... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
35260
Puerto Rico,United States
Man Charged with Smuggling Hundreds of Guns to Puerto Rico from US
8 September 2011
Orlando Sentinel (Florida)
Investigators have charged a New Jersey man with trafficking hundreds of .40-caliber Glock pistols from Central Florida to Puerto Rico though underground channels, a federal affidavit states.
Luis Velazquez-Pinero was indicted on Aug. 31 on charges that he illegally shipped firearms in interstate and foreign commerce, travelled from New Jersey to illegally acquire firearms and lied to investigators.
Records show agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Orlando Sentinel (Florida)
35274
Cayman Islands
Man and Woman in Custody for Unlawful Possession of Gun in Cayman
8 September 2011
Cayman 27 (Cayman Islands)
A man and woman are behind bars this afternoon following a police operation in the Prospect area which resulted in the recovery of a loaded semi-automatic pistol.
Around 11:30 a.m. the RCIPS Air Operations and K-9 Units along with the Uniform Support Group and Drugs and Serious Crime Task Force mounted a targeted operation on a house in the Marina Drive area of Prospect.
"During that operation a loaded .45 semi-automatic pistol was recovered along with a ski mask,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman 27 (Cayman Islands)
35257
Europe,North America,South America,United States,Caribbean,Cuba,Jamaica
Jamaica to Sign Anti Drug and Gun Trafficking Pacts with Cuba
6 September 2011
New York Times / AP
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica's top security official announced Tuesday that he will lead a delegation to Cuba this week to sign agreements strengthening cooperation against drug trafficking and other crimes.
Security Minister Dwight Nelson said the pacts are intended to increase intelligence sharing about the "movement of guns and drugs and the groups involved in their movement between the two countries."
Jamaica is the Caribbean's largest source of marijuana for the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times / AP
35251
Macedonia,Puerto Rico,United States,Libya
How Dangerous is Celebratory Gunfire? Many Innocents Are Struck, Killed
24 August 2011
Guardian (UK)
Without doubt, war correspondents are wise to wear helmets and flak jackets while sending dispatches from shell-pounded streets crackling with gunfire.
But when Sky News reporter Alex Crawford rode into Tripoli this week on a rebel pickup truck, she was more worried about celebratory gunfire – because of the danger posed by bullets landing on her head.
While some early studies conjectured that bullets shot upwards simply vanished into space, the threat from falling... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK)
35217
United States,Cayman Islands
Gun Club Member Sues Over Firearm Licence Refusal in Cayman Islands
16 August 2011
Cayman News Service (Cayman Islands)
A local sports shooter and gun club member, who also represented Cayman at the NSSA skeet world championships in the 1990s, is taking the refusal of his firearms licence by the commissioner of police to the court, claiming David Baines has acted unlawfully. Dennie Warren JR, who is better known these days for shooting photographs, has been a licensed firearm holder since 1993 but his regular renewal was refused last year. Warren says the RCIPS boss has introduced new... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman News Service (Cayman Islands)
35199
Cayman Islands
Long Battle Over Firearm Licences in Cayman Islands Heading to Court
15 August 2011
Caymanian Compass (Cayman Islands)
A long-brewing battle over private firearms ownership in the Cayman Islands may soon come to a head in court.
A local man who filed a complaint last year over how the country's Firearms Law was being enforced – and later had his shotgun seized by police after officers refused to renew his gun owner's licence – has now filed an application for judicial review of the decision not to renew the
firearms licence.
A decision on whether the court would grant a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caymanian Compass (Cayman Islands)
35187
Jamaica
Government Hired an Expert to Help Stem Flow of Guns into Jamaica
10 August 2011
Jamaica Observer
Government has sought the help of an international expert to develop a national policy to stem the flow of small arms into the island — the prevalence of which has been blamed for the country's year-to-year high murder rate.
The consultant, a woman whose identity has not been disclosed, began her six-month contract on June 9 and will also look at legislation on explosives and all firearms.
National Security Minister Dwight Nelson made the disclosure yesterday during... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
35175
Jamaica
Jamaica Debate on Relaxing Laws Governing Licensed Gun Possession
5 August 2011
Jamaica Observer, Editorial
There is merit in the arguments advanced by both sides in the current debate on relaxing the rules governing the ownership of licensed firearms, at the behest of Mr Errol Strong's Firearms Licensing Authority.
Those opposed make a strong case that ownership of a gun carries with it a great degree of responsibility and that licensed firearm holders are often the target of criminal gunmen eager to increase their armoury.
One teacher with whom the Observer spoke last... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
35162
Cayman Islands
With 2 Guns Turned In During Cayman Amnesty, Police Now Offer Cash
2 August 2011
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
With just two firearms being turned in during the Royal Cayman Islands Police guns amnesty programme in July, officers have decided to extend the programme for another month.
This time around, they'll be offering cash to individuals who turn in their weapons.
According to Robert Baraud of High Impact Media, his company has set aside $2,000 for police to offer to those who turn in weapons or ammunition. Additional donations for the programme will be sought from the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35155
Bahamas
Despite Strict Gun Laws, Problem of Illegal Gun Possession in Bahamas
2 August 2011
The Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
The court tasked with dealing expeditiously with firearms cases completed nine cases last week, The Nassau Guardian can reveal. Government re-established a gun court to address the problem of illegal firearm possession. Despite restrictive gun laws, firearms can be obtained with relative ease.
Just this year, police seized 255 firearms, although fewer than 100 persons possess special permits to carry handguns.
Last week, Gun Court Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: The Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
35154
Bahamas
Bahamas Police Initiatives Credited with Significant Rise in Seized Guns
21 July 2011
Tribune (Bahamas)
Several new police initiatives, including Operation Rapid Strike and regular stop-and-search exercises are being credited with the significant increase in the number firearms removed from the streets.
The latest statistics from the Royal Bahamas Police force show a 23 per cent increase in the number of confiscated firearms compared to last year.
Superintendent of Police Stephen Dean told reporters that police have confiscated 244 guns in New Providence and 3,309... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
35093
Cayman Islands
Even With Cayman Police Amnesty, Gun Crime Seems to Be Creeping Up
21 July 2011
Cayman Compass (Cayman Islands), Editorial
"Crimes like murders and burglaries that plagued the Cayman Islands during the last few years have fallen off police charts so far in 2011."
So began the article on page 2 of the Friday, 15 July, 2011, Caymanian Compass.
Tell that to the owner of Reflections following Tuesday night's smash and grab.
Tell that to the owner of Lorna's Texaco in Bodden Town and his loyal employee Medsadie Connor who was shot and her purse stolen.
Tell that to the owner of the Red Bay... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman Compass (Cayman Islands)
35086
United States,Central America,South America,Jamaica,Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Police Raises Concern on Gun Crime and Smuggling
18 July 2011
Cayman Compass
More than a dozen North Siders attended the final community meeting on Tuesday, 12 July, hosted by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service on Grand Cayman before the panel left for the Sister Islands.
One of the most well-attended meetings in the series so far, the audience included North Side MLA Ezzard Miller and former MLA Edna Moyle.
Several issues touched on at previous district meetings - such as truancy and youth development - were discussed, but gun crime,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman Compass
35075
Caribbean,Jamaica
Caricom Worried about Proliferation of Illegal Guns in Caribbean Region
15 July 2011
Jamaica Observer
BASSETERRE, St Kitts — Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas says the proliferation of small arms into the region is posing a serious threat to the stability of the Caribbean.
Dr Douglas, the chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping, said that the trafficking of small arms in the region will be a matter for discussion, adding that the use of guns in the settlement of disputes had become an alarming issue in recent years.
"This never, ever used to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
35060
Cayman Islands
Police Kick Off Gun Amnesty as Crime Continues to Fall in Cayman Islands
14 July 2011
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
Crimes like murders and burglaries that have plagued the Cayman Islands over the last few years have fallen off the police charts so far in 2011.
But they've been replaced by a shocking increase in robberies and firearms possession cases through the first six months of this year.
"This year the crime landscape is somewhat different," Police Commissioner David Baines said. "The increase in robberies is very concerning and has posed some challenges. These remain the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35058
Cayman Islands
Cayman Island Man Gets 9yrs Jail for Possession of Unlicensed Gun
11 July 2011
cayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
Richard Joseph Parsons, 22, was sentenced on Thursday to nine years' imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed 12-gauge Remington shotgun. Defence Attorney Kerrie Cox told the court Parsons found the gun and kept it because there had been a shooting in his neighbourhood and his own residence had been burgled twice.
He submitted there were exceptional circumstances in this case that would not require the court to impose the otherwise mandatory minimum sentence of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: cayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35034
Jamaica
More Hidden Handguns Allowed as Jamaica Relaxes Gun Control
10 July 2011
Jamaica Gleaner
More private Jamaican citizens have armed themselves with licenced pistols, data from the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) have revealed. This is in the wake of hundreds of gun licences being approved and issued to citizens and companies since the gun-control body relaxed several stipulations it previously enforced.
Since 2009, the written test, which was the most difficult moving target for many applicants to hit, has been removed.
The FLA has also reduced the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
35030
Bahamas
Police on Pace to Break 6-yr Mark for Gun Seizure in the Bahamas
7 July 2011
News Weekly (Bahamas)
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Law enforcement officials are on pace to break a six-year mark for gun seizures in the country after confiscating 212 illegal guns from the streets of The Bahamas over the first six months of the year. The figure is just 100 guns short of the six-year high of 312 set in 2009.
The 212 represents 35 guns per month being taken off the streets over the first six months of 2011. In all, Police officials have rid the streets of the Commonwealth of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: News Weekly (Bahamas)
35026
European Union,Bulgaria,Russia,West Africa,Pakistan,France,Australia,United Kingdom,Canada,Germany,Italy,United States,Haiti,Côte d'Ivoire,Madagascar
Study Finds Small Arms Have Serious Impact on Fragile States
6 July 2011
Voice of America
A new study finds the global authorized trade in small arms, light weapons, and their ammunition is worth nearly $7.1 billion a year. In its annual report, the independent think tank, the Geneva Forum, also examines the serious impact small arms proliferation is having upon three so-called fragile states-Madagascar, Ivory Coast and Haiti.
Arms exporters
The survey finds in 2008, the United States, Italy and Germany topped the list of 14 top exporters of small arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Voice of America
35022
Jamaica
Uzi Submachine Gun, Pistol, Rifles Seized Near School in Jamaica
20 June 2011
Jamaica Gleaner
The St Catherine South police yesterday seized four illegal guns within an eight-hour period and charged one man with breaches of the Firearms Act.
The guns were seized in Waterford and Old Harbour, respectively.
About 9:45 a.m., a team, led by Senior Superintendent Colin Pinnock, went along Caymanas Drive in Waterford, St Catherine.
Following the searches of a number of premises, the team inspected bushes near the Waterford Primary School.
This resulted in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
34963
Trinidad & Tobago
Military, Firearm Expert Arrested for Illegal Gun Dealing in Trinidad & Tobago
18 June 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
A highly-trained military operative and gun expert was up to late yesterday being questioned by local police on suspicion of terrorism and illegal arms dealing, after a raid at his Arima house revealed thousands of rounds of ammunition, highly classified documents and several guns. Police say after surveillance for some time by detectives of the Northern Division, the man's house in Santa Rosa was raided at around 4 pm on Thursday. The 68-year-old man, who was born in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
34964
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Police Holding a Gun Amnesty to Reduce Gun Crimes
8 June 2011
Cayman News Service (Cayman Islands)
Police will be holding a month long amnesty on firearms this July in an effort to repeat last year's success. Detective Superintendent Marlon Bodden said that this time the amnesty would be promoted at a local level through a series of town hall meetings where police would discuss the issue of gun crime with residents in the community. He told CNS Wednesday morning that he believed the reason why there had been no murders in the Cayman Islands so far in 2011 was because... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cayman News Service (Cayman Islands)
34929
South America,Central America,Caribbean,St Kitts & Nevis
Violence in Latin America and Caribbean "an Unrelenting Epidemic"
8 June 2011
Communications Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis, Media release
BASSETERRE, St Kitts -- Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean is now an unrelenting epidemic, which is having a deadly impact on Socio-Economic development.
"As our populations become more youthful, the issues which we must address to keep young people alive, and secure, take on greater urgency. The youth agenda, more critical in its urging, begs to underscore the importance of debating youth issues and integrating them into the development of national and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Communications Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis
34906
Canada,Trinidad & Tobago,Bermuda
Gun Deaths Put Bermuda's Reputation Overseas at Risk, Warns Governor
20 April 2011
Royal Gazette (Bermuda)
Bermuda's latest gun victim David Clarke was the third foreigner killed in two years; something that's "bound to risk the Island's reputation", according to Governor Sir Richard Gozney.
Mr Clarke, 26, was born in Barbados but lived in Bermuda since his family moved here when he was four. He was shot dead on North Shore Road, Devonshire, around 10.30pm on Sunday.
His murder follows that of Jamaican James Lawes, gunned down in Pembroke on March 22, 2010, and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Royal Gazette (Bermuda)
34699
St Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis Signs Firearms Marking and Tracing Agreement
17 April 2011
Office of The Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has another tool to deal with the trafficking of illegal guns into the twin-island Federation.
The Federation's Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C., Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin on Friday signed a firearms marking agreement.
Within the framework of the Committee of the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Office of The Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis
34688
Turks & Caicos,Bahamas,Virgin Islands (UK)
Firearms Involved in Most Robberies, Murders in British Virgin Islands
23 March 2011
BVI Beacon (British Virgin Islands), Editorial
The recent spate of shootings and armed robberies underscores the need for the Virgin Islands to take serious measures to combat gun crime.
Within the past two weeks, one person has been shot to death and a handful of others have been shot or robbed at gunpoint. Such violence must be stopped.
In recent years, guns have become a major problem here. From 2006-2010, firearms were used in 105 of 145 robberies and 14 of 20 murders, according to police... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BVI Beacon (British Virgin Islands)
34584
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago PM Promotes Caribbean Commitment to Eradicate Guns
25 February 2011
Antigua Observer
ST.GEORGE'S, Grenada – Trinidad and Tobago wants the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to adopt a declaration on the eradication of small arms in the region.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar told reporters that the proliferation of small arms throughout the region is a major concern especially in the efforts to dealing with criminal activities.
"I intend to seek approval from the heads for a declaration with respect to the small arms treaty," she said, adding... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Antigua Observer
34484
Jamaica,Bahamas
Caribbean Lawyers, Prosecutors Can't Agree on Specialist 'Gun Courts'
12 February 2011
Tribune (Bahamas)
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Jamaican attorneys have expressed disagreement with local assessments of the Jamaican Gun Court.
While the court had its "teething pains" it is now an "established and accepted" part of the judiciary, attorneys claim.
Earlier this year, a Magistrate's Court in Nassau was assigned to hear gun related matters, in a similar fashion to Jamaica's Magistrate's Court handling drug crimes.
The move to establish a "so-called gun court" was heavily... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
34389
Virgin Islands (UK)
Virgin Island Man Kept AK-47 'For Protection' Against Disturbed Brother
10 February 2011
BVI Beacon (British Virgin Islands)
A government employee who walked down Sugar Mill Road on Saturday wielding an AK-47 assault rifle was sentenced this week to spend 16 months in prison and pay a $500 fine. Kelvin Smith, a 41-year-old messenger with the Passport Office, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court on Monday to charges of unlawful possession of explosives and carrying a prohibited weapon, a count that carries a maximum 10-year prison term.
Mr. Smith will serve an additional six months in prison... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BVI Beacon (British Virgin Islands)
34383
Trinidad & Tobago,Canada
Trinidad & Tobago Welcomes Canadian Support, Funds to Curb Gun Trade
10 February 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Gun amnesty is not right for T&T at this point in time. This was the recommendation put forward yesterday by Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs at the launch of a regional project on gun control, titled Strengthening Caricom Co-operation to reduce Gun Crime, at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. The project is a collaboration between Caricom's Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and Project Ploughshares, a Canadian non-governmental organisation.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
34368
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
Arms Trade Treaty Needed to Mesh with Domestic Caribbean Gun Laws
1 February 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Despite the regulatory provisions of the Firearms and Customs Acts, there is evidence that domestic legislation has proven insufficient to combat the illegal arms trade. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan yesterday said while domestic legislation was necessary there was greater need to collaborate with international partners to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms. Rambachan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the second regional workshop on... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
34318
Americas,Trinidad & Tobago,Caribbean
Arms Trade Treaty Needed to Curb Gun Running, Save Lives in Caribbean
31 January 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Express
A large percentage of the victims and perpetrators of gun violence in the region are young men, Foreign Affairs Minister Surujrattan Rambachan said yesterday.
Rambachan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second Regional Workshop on Negotiations for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.
"Research has established that in the main, the victims and perpetrators of gun violence in the region are young men of low socio-economic... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
34308
United States,Virgin Islands (US)
Caribbean Territory Mends Fences with US Federal Gun Control Agency
29 January 2011
Virgin Islands Daily News
ST. CROIX - Amid the dramatic court proceedings surrounding the murder trial of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agent William Clark, a V.I. Police Department firearms examiner learned he was one of 12 people nationwide accepted into the ATF's National Firearm Examiner Academy, police said.
Police Tool Mark Examiner Reynold De Souza was scheduled to begin training in a 17-week course that is offered once each year in Washington, D.C., on Monday,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Virgin Islands Daily News
34292
Jamaica
Business Couple Charged in Jamaica Ammunition, Gun Smuggling Bust
31 December 2010
Jamaica Gleaner
Police Commissioner Owen Ellington says the Jamaica Constabulary Force will be enlisting the help of its international partners to probe the latest gun and ammunition bust.
Police investigators this morning seized more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition at a house in the upscale St Andrew community of Liguanea Avenue.
The police swooped down on the house as a follow up to yesterday's seizure of seven guns, 25 loaded magazines and 33 rounds of ammunition at a suspected... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
33941
Jamaica
Illegal Gun Shop Raided, Police Guns Being Sold to Criminals in Jamaica
31 December 2010
Jamaica Gleaner
Senior police investigators are now trying to identify the mastermind behind a suspected gun shop which operated out of premises along McWhinney Street, near the Tower Street Adult Centre, in east Kingston.
Yesterday, the police stumbled on to the gun shop during a routine operation and seized seven firearms, 25 loaded magazines and 33 rounds of ammunition.
According to an official report, police operatives from the Trans-national Crime and Narcotics Division, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
33939
United States,Puerto Rico
Multiple Shootings Increased US Police Fatalities by 37 Percent in 2010
28 December 2010
Associated Press
ATLANTA - Two officers in a remote Alaska town were ambushed as they chatted on a street. A California officer and deputy were killed by an arson suspect with a high-powered rifle as they tried to serve a warrant. Two other officers doing anti-drug work were gunned down by men along a busy Arkansas highway.
These so-called cluster killings of more than one officer helped make 2010 a particularly deadly year for law enforcement. Deaths in the line of duty jumped 37... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
33912
Trinidad & Tobago
Madness in Parliament as MPs Suggest More Guns in Trinidad & Tobago
18 December 2010
Trinidad and Tobago Express, Column
The Independent bench of the Senate is often the voice of reason in Parliament, but last Tuesday it seemed a distinct possibility that one of its leading members, Subhas Ramkhelawan, had gone mad.
He certainly spent quite some time discussing madness. As a former senior public servant, he explained, he had had to know all about MAD, which stood for "maximum administrative delay."
While this can be infuriating, it doesn't necessarily involve actual insanity. What Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
33896
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