Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Dominica,United States,Virgin Islands (US)
Dominica Man Jailed for Smuggling Guns from US to Virgin Islands
15 May 2013
CBS News (USA) / Associated Press
HOUSTON — A man with ties to the Caribbean has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sending guns bought in Texas to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A federal judge in Houston on Wednesday sentenced 22-year-old Tyrone Reid. Investigators say Reid is a citizen of Dominica who's been living in Houston.
A jury in February convicted Reid of a conspiracy-related firearms count and two charges of making false statements to a firearms dealer.
Prosecutors say Reid was... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CBS News (USA) / Associated Press
37456
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua Gun Club Suggests More Training Needed Before Licence Issued
8 May 2013
Antigua Observer
ST JOHN'S, Antigua – The president of a local shooting club said he is "concerned" licensed gun owners are not fully prepared for the responsibility – and is calling on police for more training.
"It is a problem for us in terms of the club. There is a breakdown in communication between the police and the clubs," Antigua & Barbuda Shooting Club president Frank Theodore said in an interview with OBSERVER media.
Theodore, who is also the treasurer of the Riffle... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Antigua Observer
37444
Jamaica
Concerns Raised Over Licensing Rules After Jamaica Shooting Death
7 May 2013
Jamaica Observer
BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth — The question continues to haunt loved ones, friends and others two weeks after Ann Marie Campbell's death.
Why was a well-liked 40 year-old businesswoman and mother of three shot by someone she knew well and with whom she had no quarrel?
The alleged shooter, Wayne Lewis, a licensed firearm holder, is in police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Black River Resident's Magistrates Court on May 8 on a charge of murder. The supposition... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
37417
Cayman Islands,United States
Man Jailed for Gun Smuggling Between US and Caymans
1 May 2013
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
A Caymanian man accused in a gun smuggling ring that operated between Grand Cayman and south Florida between 2008 and 2009 has been sentenced to nearly four years in United States federal prison.
Mikkyle Brandon Leslie was sentenced before Judge Robin Rosenbaum Monday in Fort Lauderdale following a plea deal his attorneys reached with federal prosecutors earlier this year. Leslie could have faced between 20 to 30 years in prison if he had gone to trial and been... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
37411
Barbados
Barbados Officials Warn Criminals are Stealing IDs to Illegally Import Guns
30 April 2013
Stabroek News (Guyana)
Barbadians are being advised to be careful with their identification cards as criminals are using stolen or bogus cards in their operations to import illegal drugs and guns.
Speaking to the Daily Nation yesterday, head of the Police Drug Squad, Superintendent Grafton Phillips, said that over the last year the Drug Squad had discovered that people were going to the Bridgetown Port, post offices, the cargo section at Grantley Adams International Airport and courier... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Stabroek News (Guyana)
37393
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua Gets Equipment to Destroy Surplus, Crime Guns
23 April 2013
Caribarena Antigua
ANTIGUA ST JOHN'S - Minister of National Security and labour Dr. Errol Cort issued a stern warning to persons in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Cort made the threat on Monday as he addressed law men during a hand-over ceremony where representatives from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace delivered two vital pieces of equipment over to the police.
The equipment, hydraulic shears and a burning tank, both integral in the reduction of illegal... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribarena Antigua
37361
Bahamas
Officials say US Gun Checks Would Stop Illegal Guns Getting to Bahamas
18 April 2013
Tribune (Bahamas)
Officials in the Bahamas had hoped that the now failed proposed measure to expand gun background checks in the United States would have assisted law enforcement here to stem the tide of illegal firearms into the country.
Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, speaking to reporters yesterday, said any legislation that would have made it more difficult to traffic in firearms would have had a significant impact in the Bahamas.
"Very early on in our administration, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
37346
El Salvador,Honduras,Jamaica
Jamaica Police Propose Tough New Laws to Address Gun Homicide Rate
1 April 2013
Gleaner (Jamaica)
Seeking to take the monster of crime by the scruff, the Jamaican police have proposed radical legislative changes that would provide, among other things, lengthy prison sentences for gun-related crimes.
The recommendation forms the linchpin of the Jamaica Gun Project, an initiative conceptualised by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to stem the hundreds of gun-related crimes the island records each year.
"Gun offenders give us the equivalent in Jamaica of one 9/11... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Gleaner (Jamaica)
37260
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Says Handguns are Their Weapons of Mass Destruction
27 March 2013
Trinidad and Tobago Express
Small arms, including handguns and rifles, are weapons of mass destruction in this country, said Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran.
Dookeran made the statement on Tuesday night as he delivered the opening remarks at a town meeting held by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) at his constituency office in Tunapuna.
Dookeran is the Member of Parliament for Tunapuna.
"Small arms are an important part of the armoury of the criminal industry and the region has... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
37243
Caribbean
Caribbean Community Countries to Press for Greater Arms Trade Regulation
20 March 2013
Caribbean 360
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries will be pressing for a successful conclusion to the final negotiation session of the United Nations Diplomatic Conference on an Arms Trade Treaty which began at the United Nations on Monday, according to a statement issued by the CARICOM Secretariat.
It said such an outcome to the 10-day conference is of vital importance to CARICOM, noting that at the CARICOM Inter-Sessional summit in Haiti last month,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean 360
37210
Africa,Americas,Asia,Europe,Oceania,United States,Russia,Italy,Germany,Brazil,Switzerland,Israel,Austria,South Korea,Belgium,Spain,Turkey,Norway,Canada,United Kingdom,Australia,France,Pakistan,Yemen,Honduras,El Salvador,Jamaica
Fact and Figures: Global Trade in Small Arms
18 March 2013
al Jazeera
Diplomats from around the world have gathered at the UN for talks on an international arms trade treaty, in an effort to stop the sale of illegal conventional arms.
Similar talks held last July failed, mainly due to the objections of the US and Russia, the world's two largest arms exporters.
Al Jazeera has compiled a list of facts related to the global production and trading of small arms.
1. Authorised international transfers of small arms, light weapons, their... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: al Jazeera
37196
Europe,China,Asia,Americas,Oceania,Kenya,Cuba,Côte d'Ivoire,Africa,Central America,Russia,United States
Women Explain Why an Arms Trade Treaty Can Save Many Lives
7 March 2013
Amnesty International (London), Media release
It is estimated at least half a million people are killed with guns every year and on average a further 200,000 men, women and children die as an indirect result of armed conflicts and violence that are frequently fuelled by the uncontrolled flow of small arms.
And for every person that is killed in an armed conflict, many more are injured and tortured, raped, abused, forcibly disappeared, taken hostage or displaced. Even more have their access to food, water, shelter,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Amnesty International (London)
37175
Caribbean,Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua Authorities Concerned Over Gun Availability After Shootings
4 March 2013
Caribarena (Antigua)
Antigua St. John's - Former Prison Superintendent Eric Henry has pointed to an inextricable link between the drug trade and the proliferation of firearms in the country, while addressing, on a talk show programme, the high incidence of gun crimes nationally and regionally.
Calling the recent spate of gun-related violence in Antigua & Barbuda "frightening," Henry alluded to the proximity of the Caribbean islands, and pointed to similar worrying gun-crime situations in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribarena (Antigua)
37140
Jamaica
Illegal Bullets Cost the Same as Bread in Jamaica
3 March 2013
Gleaner (Jamaica)
In Jamaica, a loaf of bread retails at a corner shop for about $235 while a single 9mm bullet can be bought for about $280 or less. The degree of difficulty in purchasing the bread or the bullet is relatively the same: zero.
A special Sunday Gleaner probe has confirmed that one does not have to work up a sweat to buy bullets on the streets of Jamaica. It is literally no problem, as we found out when we purchased 25 of these 9mm bullets last week.
Anyone interested in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Gleaner (Jamaica)
37129
United Arab Emirates,Qatar,Oman,Kuwait,Bahamas,Germany,Saudi Arabia
Germany Doubles Arms Supplies To Persian Gulf Nations
25 February 2013
RT-TV Novosti (Russia)
German military exports to Persian Gulf nations doubled in 2012 amid repeatedly-voiced international concerns over gross human rights violations in the region. The German government has been fiercely accused of unscrupulousness in arms sales.
The latest report published by Munich-based Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper suggests that German arms export to the six nations belonging to the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf has grown two-fold, from 570... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: RT-TV Novosti (Russia)
37110
Dominican Republic
Over 700 Guns Destroyed in Dominican Republic [Espanol]
22 February 2013
El Nuevo Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Interior and Police, with the help of the United Nations, has destroyed 706 guns to combat trafficking. Many of the weapons were not registered or their markings had been altered.]
El Ministerio de Interior y Policía (MIP), por disposición del ministro José Ramón Fadul y con la colaboración del Programa de Acción de Desarme de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU), destruyó 706 armas de fuego de... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: El Nuevo Diario (Dominican Republic)
37112
Trinidad & Tobago,South Africa
Trinidad Official Thinks Gun Laws Don't Go Far Enough
20 February 2013
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
As the Government battles unbridled gun violence, national security adviser Gary Griffith says guns don't kill people, people kill people. On Friday, Olympic blade runner Oscar Pistorius appeared before the court in South Africa charged with the murder of his 29-year-old girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp who had been shot four times with Pistorius' licensed gun.
In South Africa where levels of crime are extremely high, many private citizens have licensed guns. But the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
37086
Dominican Republic
Military Counts Guns in Dom Republic as Police Give Them Away
30 January 2013
Dominican Today
Santo Domingo - Justice minister Francisco Domínguez on Tuesday slammed criticized [sic] that for more than 20 years law enforcement agencies' policy of "cronyism" for giving weapons to politicians and businesspersons, to befriend them and get favors in return.
He said even when many of those weapons are used for protection, it's also the military and police's method to gain their acceptance.
Dominguez said the weapons handed out range from pistols to machine guns.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Dominican Today
37005
Jamaica
Jamaica Police Seize Semi-Auto Pistol, Homemade Guns
29 January 2013
Go Jamaica
Four persons are now in police custody in connection with the seizure of four illegal guns in separate incidents yesterday.
The police report that a man and a woman were arrested after a .45 semi-automatic pistol with serial number erased, along with three .45 cartridges was found in a car along Maxfield Avenue yesterday.
According to reports from the Constabulary Communications Network, three homemade firearms were also seized in separate operations in St. James... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Go Jamaica
37009
Trinidad & Tobago
Guns Used in 80 Percent of Trinidad Murders, say Police
26 January 2013
Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
Firearms are used in almost 80 percent of the murders in the country, therefore it is critical that the police target getting guns out of the hands of criminals.
So said Ag Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams, at the AmCham monthly meeting at the Hilton yesterday.
According to Williams, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) recovers firearms almost every day. He said it was important for the police to find ways of reducing the illegal entry of firearms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
37004
Mexico,Puerto Rico,Dominican Republic
El Salvador's Inadequate Port Security Increases Gun Availability
23 January 2013
Huffington Post (USA) / Voxxi
The Dominican Republic continues to be the main command center for drug trafficking in the Caribbean region, with an increase in the past two years of 800 percent of the cocaine to United States and Europe.
According to the European Union's COPOLAD Program (drug partnership cooperation program between the European Union and Latin America), the lack of control and technological resources of the Dominican ports Multimodal Caucedo and Haina pose a major threat to the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Huffington Post (USA) / Voxxi
36984
England & Wales,Jamaica
British Girl Shot Dead in Jamaica, Authorities Condemn 'Senseless' Act
13 January 2013
BBC News
An eight-year-old girl from south London shot dead when a gunman opened fire in a shop in Jamaica was a "happy, playful and popular" pupil, her head teacher has said.
Imani Green was inside her cousin's shop in the rural north coast town of Duncans on Friday when a man entered the store and an argument broke out.
Police said the man then opened fire, shooting at people inside.
Imani, from Balham, was hit and died later in hospital.
Three other people are being... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BBC News
36935
United States,Bahamas
US Man Arrested in Bahamas for Failing to Declare Guns on Boat
11 January 2013
Tribune (Bahamas)
A 60-year-old American has been arrested for failing to declare the firearms on his boat to Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers.
Acting on a tip, Harbour Patrol searched the man's vessel, which was moored in Nassau Harbour on Wednesday at around 11:30pm.
Once aboard, authorities found two handguns, two shot guns, one rifle and a large quantity of ammunition for the weapons.
The RBDF officers arrested the man and turned him over to police shortly after.
Police said... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
36942
Guatemala,El Salvador,Venezuela,United States,Australia,Jamaica,Russia,Colombia
NRA 'Good Guys With Guns' Theory Already Disproved in Latin America
5 January 2013
New York Times
In the wake of the tragic shooting deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., last month, the National Rifle Association proposed that the best way to protect schoolchildren was to place a guard — a "good guy with a gun" — in every school, part of a so-called National School Shield Emergency Response Program.
Indeed, the N.R.A.'s solution to the expansion of gun violence in America has been generally to advocate for the more widespread deployment and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
36904
Honduras,Colombia,Mexico,Panama,Guatemala,Swaziland,South Africa,Jamaica,Philippines,Brazil,El Salvador,United States
Top 12 Countries for Firearms Related Deaths
17 December 2012
Forbes (USA)
Few major nations have the right to bear arms configured in their Constitution. Even fewer (as in we are the only one) have gun control legislation as a hot button political issue. The U.S. is the most violent core economy in terms of gun related deaths. It is also the leader in gun violence at school campuses. Yet, the U.S. does not lead the world in firearms related deaths. Countries were gangs and drugs are a problem top the list, even where there is strict gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Forbes (USA)
36832
Caribbean,Guyana
Caribbean Officials to Increase Efforts Against Drug, Gun Trafficking
6 December 2012
Jamaica Gleaner
PORT-OF-SPAIN - A senior official of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) has described as "disturbing" the illicit trafficking of small arms and the growth of gangs in the region.
"Our borders are targets for drug traffickers, people trafficking and, most disturbing, illicit trafficking in small arms and ammunition. Our homicide rates are notorious and often defy logic, except when placed alongside the high number of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Gleaner
36805
Bahamas
Overall Crime Rate Drops, But Armed Violence Rate Rises in Bahamas
30 November 2012
Tribune (Bahamas)
Crime in the Bahamas is down 6 per cent overall for the first three quarters of 2012 compared to the same period last year, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said yesterday.
Speaking to the press, the Commissioner said there have been significant decreases in all crimes against property and in all categories of crime against the person, with the exception of armed robberies.
According to statistics
released by the Royal Bahamas Police Force there has been a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
36789
United States,Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua Gets Boats from US to Fight Gun Trafficking
27 November 2012
Caribarena News (Antigua)
ST JOHN'S, Antigua - After considerable delay and quite some nagging, the Antigua & Barbuda Coast Guard has finally received two much-needed 'Interceptor Vessels' to aid in its fight against human trafficking, drug and gun smuggling and in search and rescue operations.
The 33-foot class A interceptor vessels come as part of US President Barack Obama's Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and Sea Secure Program. They were officially handed over on Monday during a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribarena News (Antigua)
36787
Jamaica,Haiti
Four Jamaicans Killed After Allegedly Trading Drugs for Guns in Haiti
24 November 2012
Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON Jamaica - The Police have named the four men killed Friday afternoon in New Town, St Elizabeth.
The four men are:
Kenrick Bennett of Parottee, St. Elizabeth
Rohan Barrett of Tivoli Gardens, Kingston
Carlington Wallace of New Town St. Elizabeth; and
Turine Wallace also of New Town St. Elizabeth
According to the police two 9mm pistols and seven rounds of ammunition were seized at the incident scene.
Police say that Bennett otherwise called 'Guns' along with... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
36768
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Police Seize Ammo, Assault Weapon from Alleged Gun Dealer
18 November 2012
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Arouca Police yesterday seized more than 300 rounds of ammunition, a mini AK-47 rifle and a quantity of drugs at a house in Bon Air. The seizure was followed by the arrest of a 36-year-old man said to be a firearms dealer. Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Dick of the Northern Division sent a stern warning to the criminals that they would have to bow to the police as they try to rid the streets of illegal guns and drugs.
"Keep out of Trinidad and Tobago," Dick... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
36750
United States,Bahamas,Mexico
Caribbean Asks for Global Help to Address Drug, Gun Trafficking
6 November 2012
Caribbean360
ROME, Italy – The Bahamas has called on the international law enforcement community to help the Caribbean deal with the illegal drugs trade, warning that despite regional efforts to curb the shipment of illegal drugs the trade has left behind a culture of dishonesty, disrespect, and urban violence in the country.
National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage, addressing the International Police (INTERPOL) General assembly here, said that The Bahamas, for example, ... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean360
36727
St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts Youth Faces 30 Years Jail for Possessing Handguns
2 November 2012
St Kitts & Nevis Observer
A Cole Hill juvenile could be spending the next 30 years in prison if a Nevis Magistrate imposes the maximum penalty for gun possession.
The 16-year-old appeared before the Her Honor Yasmine Clarke in his school uniform on Tuesday (Oct 30) to answer to three charges - two counts of possession of a firearms and one count of five possession of ammunition. The juvenile had no legal representation and his mother explained to the court that she could not afford lawyers'... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: St Kitts & Nevis Observer
36715
Dominican Republic,Americas,United States
Dominican Republic gets Firearms Marking Machine to Fight Trafficking
23 October 2012
Caribbean Journal
The Dominican Republic has received a firearms marking machine from the Organization of American States, part of a regional effort to tackle the growing problem of illicit arms trafficking.
The OAS has now implemented the programme, called "Promoting Firearms Marking in Latin America and the Caribbean," in 25 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The donation, which was funded by the government of the United States, was presented during a ceremony in Santo... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean Journal
36677
Dominican Republic
Call for Higher Gun Taxes in Dominican Republic [Espanol]
19 October 2012
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated Summary - There are calls for the Dominican Republic to increase the taxes for gun possession and carry licences to reduce violence against women and children. However others have called for tougher controls on those who can access firearms.]
SANTO DOMINGO - La ministra de la Mujer, Alejandrina Germán, pidió hoy incluir el aumento de los impuestos de la expedición y renovación de licencia de armas de fuego en el proyecto de reforma fiscal integral,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
36656
Bahamas
Over 400 Guns Confiscated in Bahamas, Crime Rate Falling
15 October 2012
Bahama Journal
Statistics obtained by the Bahama Journal have revealed that to date, police have confiscated 403 firearms from throughout The Bahamas.
In August, that number stood at 325.
At this same point last year, police took 200 guns into their possession.
Ammunition confiscation is also up this year as police have confiscated 6,025 live rounds when compared to 3,000 at this same point last year.
Just this past weekend, police arrested a 19-year-old man in the Balfour Avenue... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Bahama Journal
36644
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Minister to Withhold Crime Data, Despite Fall in Homicide Rate
11 October 2012
InSight Crime (Bogota)
Trinidad and Tobago's security minister has banned the release of crime reports and statistics, saying the data sensationalizes crime and spurs acts of violence, a dubious claim that reveals potential political motivations behind the move.
Security Minister Jack Warner, who in June 2011 stepped down from his three-decade post as vice minister of the world soccer body, FIFA, said in a statement that the temporary measure would "ensure that crime statistics are not... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: InSight Crime (Bogota)
36637
Jamaica
Jamaica Gun Owner Faces 15 Years Jail for Road Rage Shooting
10 October 2012
Go Jamaica
Forty-seven-year-old businessman Leroy Fearon, of Cave Hill Estates, St Catherine who was convicted last month of gun offences which resulted after a road rage incident is to be sentenced tomorrow.
He should have been sentenced today but Supreme Court Judge Lloyd Hibbert has given Fearon's lawyer more time to research the Firearms Act.
One of the sticking points in Fearon's case is the minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years.
Some lawyers have expressed the view... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Go Jamaica
36633
Puerto Rico,Mexico,Honduras,Barbados,United States,Colombia
US Man Breaks Silence on Pre-Fast and Furious Operation, 'Castaway'
8 October 2012
Kansas City Star (Missouri) / Miami Herald
A sensational election-season report into the botched Operation Fast and Furious gun-tracking operation has cast new light on a simultaneous Florida firearms investigation linked to violence in Colombia, Honduras and Puerto Rico.
Called Operation Castaway, the Florida case has received far less attention than Fast and Furious. The latter became an embarrassing distraction for Obama's administration when it was implicated in the death of a federal agent and Mexico... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Kansas City Star (Missouri) / Miami Herald
36635
Jamaica
Former Cop Shot in Jamaica, Over 800 Homicides in 2012 So Far
25 September 2012
Caribbean Journal, Opinion
Retired Senior Superintendent Anthony Hewitt was shot dead by gunmen last week in Kingston.
This was very bad news for Jamaica's law enforcement community and the international agencies with whom they cooperate. It was a virtual kick in the teeth to the Rule of Law in Jamaica. With an economy buoyed by tourism receipts, Jamaica has a significant interest in the meticulous preservation of the Rule of Law in the country.
In what seemed to be a singularly professional... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean Journal
36598
United States,St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis Police Get Help for Electronic Gun Tracing From US
24 September 2012
SKN Vibes (St Kitts & Nevis)
BASSETERRE - Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis are using a new investigative tool to help tackle gun-related crimes.
Twelve persons from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and Her Majesty's Customs spent September 18 to 20 learning about the electronic tracing of firearms, firearms identification, safety, and investigative techniques.
Ollie Mier and Neil Troppman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - which is a law... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: SKN Vibes (St Kitts & Nevis)
36585
Jamaica
Jamaica Police Seize Handgun, Manufacturing Equipment
17 September 2012
Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Montego Bay Police seized a firearm and other items believed to be used in the making of homemade firearms in Tucker district, St James yesterday. No one was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Police report that about 4:00 pm, a team of officers conducted an operation in the area, during which the items — a Lorcin 9mm pistol with the serial number partially erased, a magazine containing ten 9mm rounds, two magazine moulds, two pistol... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
36564
Peru,Argentina,Dominican Republic,Colombia,Mexico,Russia,United States
What Google's Arms Trafficking Map Tells Us
28 August 2012
InSight Crime (Bogota)
The lights blanketing the globe on Google's latest foray into data visualization tell a hidden story of the gun trafficking business: that understanding the movement of ammunition is just as important as understanding the movement of weapons.
Google says the interactive map, which was a joint initiative between Google Ideas and the Brazil-based Igarape Institute, was pulled together using more than a million data points of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: InSight Crime (Bogota)
36509
South America,Central America,Caribbean
Report Shows Firearms Homicides in Latin America Exceed Global Rate
28 August 2012
InSight Crime (Bogota)
According to a recent report by European research project Small Arms Survey, 21 out of 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean exceed the global average for the number of homicides committed with firearms.
The report, released on August 27, shows that firearms homicides in Latin America and the Caribbean are far higher than the global average of 42 percent. Firearms were found to be used in 60 percent of homicides in South America, 61 percent in the Caribbean,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: InSight Crime (Bogota)
36507
Trinidad & Tobago,Americas
Trinidad and Tobago Plan Improvements to Gun Marking, Registration
16 August 2012
Caribbean Journal
Trinidad and Tobago's cabinet has approved $45.39 million USD for the country's fight against crime, National Security Minister Jack Warner announced Thursday.
The funding will be used to improve the police service, he said.
"There will be the full-time establishment of 5,000 Special Reserve Police Officers," Warner said. "We shall also establish police community support groups in all nine police divisions. These SRPs will be placed in all nine police... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean Journal
36484
Cayman Islands,United States,Caribbean
Witnesses in Fear as Caymans, US Gun Smuggling Case Heads to Court
9 August 2012
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
US prosecutors have declined to release names and addresses of the witnesses and co-conspirators involved in a gun-running operation between south Florida and Grand Cayman after attorneys for one of the suspects in the case requested those records earlier this year.
"The disclosure of the names and addresses of government witnesses is likely to endanger the safety of the witnesses and the viability of the prosecution," prosecutors noted in a 26 July court filing.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
36454
United States,Caribbean
Former Caribbean Diplomat Calls for Continued Arms Treaty Support
3 August 2012
Caribbean 360, Opinion
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries joined dozens of other nations in fighting for a robust and comprehensive Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) during negotiations at the United Nations headquarters in New York from 2 to 27 July, but their efforts were frustrated by President Barack Obama's re-election campaign team.
The Caribbean countries have very good reason for wanting a strong ATT. In recent years, these countries have become the hapless victims... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean 360
36428
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Gets New Penal Law, Increases Penalties for Gun Crimes
30 July 2012
Caribbean Journal
Puerto Rico now has a new Penal Code, following a signing ceremony by Governor Luis Fortuño.
"Today we make history, by offering greater protection and justice to victims of crime and setting higher, fixed penalties for the most dangerous criminals who terrorize our families," Fortuño said.
The new code was the result of more than three years of work by a legislative commission tasked with revising the earlier 2004 version.
The law was passed following a series of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean Journal
36413
Mexico,Canada,United States,Central America,North America,Caribbean
Lax US Gun Laws Make Canada, Mexico and Caribbean Less Safe
25 July 2012
Time (USA)
Looming over the aftermath of the Aurora shooting is the long-standing and largely fruitless American debate over gun control. My colleague Alex Altman wrote lucidly about the paralysis that grips many U.S. politicians on both sides of the aisle when forced to account for a tragedy of this magnitude. More stringent controls could have thwarted the shooting suspect from spending months undetected while he amassed an arsenal of assault weapons, heavy ammunition and body... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Time (USA)
36387
South America,Caribbean,Jamaica
Jamaica Government Gets New Firearms Marking Machine
18 July 2012
Jamaica Information Service
The [Jamaican] Government has acquired two firearm marking machines to support its efforts to stem the illicit trafficking in small arms.
The Dot Peen machines, obtained through an agreement with the Organization of American States (OAS), 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.
In addition to the machines, two laptop computers were also handed over for... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Information Service
36348
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Police Seize Assault Rifles, Shotguns, Drugs in Raids
13 July 2012
Trinidad and Tobago Express
Four firearms, including a Russian-made AK-47 assault rifle and a shot gun were seized and 43 people including a member of the regiment were arrested following two exercises in the Diego Martin and Laventille areas.
In addition to the weapons, officers also found bullet-proof vests, ammunition, handcuffs, wireless radios and camouflage kits.
Police said during the period 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, members of the Western Division Criminal Investigations... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
36347
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States,Pakistan,Cuba,Iran,China,Russia
Arms Trade Treaty Should Cover Broad Range of Arms and Ammunition
8 July 2012
New York Times, Editorial
The world is awash in conventional weapons, like tanks, firearms and aircraft, with the market valued at $40 billion to $60 billion a year. Far too many of these arms are fueling conflicts and atrocities in Syria, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond. They have been used to kill countless innocent civilians, and they will be used against countless more if the international community does not find a way to keep them out of the hands of unscrupulous regimes,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
36316
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago Backs Arms Trade Treaty
6 July 2012
Bernama (Malaysia) / Prensa Latina (Havana)
UNITED NATIONS - Trinidad and Tobago Thursday stressed the need to achieve an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that is comprehensive and mandatory.
The Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobagos, Winston Dookeran, addressed the high level segment of the Conference of the United Nations (UN) on the subject, which will be held until next July 27 at the headquarters of the international organisation.
Dookeran referred to the negative impact of illegal trade in arms and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Bernama (Malaysia) / Prensa Latina (Havana)
36304
Dominican Republic
Guns Used in 64% of Dominican Republic's Violent Deaths
5 July 2012
Dominican Today
SANTO DOMINGO - Just one day after Justice minister Radhames Jimenez admitted defeat in the fight against femicides, a prominent political scientist affirms that disarming the population would help sharply reduce the most violent of deaths, where both the victim and perpetrator had weapons .
Daniel Pou called "alarming" the number of people who die from gunshots every day. "We must implement a policy of disarmament … There's quite a direct link between the use of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Dominican Today
36318
Somalia,Congo (DRC),Caribbean,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Liberia,Australia
Arms Trade Treaty Must Include All Guns and Ammo, Says Australia
2 July 2012
Sydney Morning Herald, Opinion
Ten years ago, tens of thousands of Kalashnikov assault rifles were transported into the West African country of Liberia. It was a violation of the UN arms embargo. The weapons were used by forces loyal to Charles Taylor to commit the most terrible crimes.
Boys, some as young as 11, were handed these weapons and told to kill. In the farms and villages of places such as Bong County on the border with Guinea, these Kalashnikovs became weapons of massive destruction. The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Sydney Morning Herald
36293
United States,Haiti
2 Haitians Charged of Gun Smuggling from US into Haiti [Francais]
20 June 2012
Haiti News 509
[Translated summary: Federal Agents arrested two Haitian in Jacksonville, USA, for illegal import of 13 firearms into Haiti.]
JACKSONVILLE, Etats-unis – Les Agents Fédéraux ont arrêté deux haïtiens à Jacksonville, le mercredi 20 juin, et les ont accusés d 'avoir illégalement importé en contrebande 13 armes à feu en Haïti, avec des plans d 'entrer clandestinement avec plus de 100 autres armes bientôt.
Niyo Baptisme et Jude Fontus accusés de l'affaire ont... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Haiti News 509
36268
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua St. John's Operation 'Turn in a Gun and Get $1000' Successful
15 June 2012
Caribarena News (Antigua & Barbuda)
Antigua St. John's - Following Thursday's success in Gaston Browne's "Turn in a Gun and get $1000" programme, the MP has announced that he will now be upping the tradeoff to $2000.
The unlicensed weapon, which was turned over some time after noon on Thursday, has already been handed over to police for processing.
Browne said he could not speak to the name and calibre of the weapon.
"All I know is that it is a gun and it can shoot and kill people," he said.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribarena News (Antigua & Barbuda)
36244
Bahamas
With Ministers Carrying Guns Could Bahamas Become a 'Gun-toting' Society?
10 June 2012
Tribune (Bahamas)
Government ministers carrying weapons could open the door to the Bahamas becoming a "gun-toting" society.
The warning came from the FNM's deputy leader after it was revealed two ministers were personally armed.
Loretta Butler-Turner, who said she had received two death threats herself, branded the government "reckless" and said it was sending the wrong message by allowing ministers to carry guns.
"I would ask this government to reflect on the gravity of what is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tribune (Bahamas)
36225
United States,Caribbean,Grenada,St Vincent & Grenadines,St Lucia
UN Provides Equipment, Training for Small Arms Destruction in Caribbean
8 June 2012
Caribbean360.com (Barbados)
NEW YORK, USA – St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada will benefit from a United Nation's (UN) assistance package aimed at strengthening their capacity to combat the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons nationally, as well as in the Caribbean region.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, through its Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), has provided the island... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean360.com (Barbados)
36230
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Police Support to Citizens Using Guns for Defence Raises Concern [Espanol]
7 June 2012
La Prensa / EFE News Agency
[Translated summary: Amnesty International in Puerto Rico raises concern on the possible consequences of the explicit support of the police superintendent to citizens using firearms for self-defence.]
SAN JUAN - Amnistía Internacional (AI) Sección de Puerto Rico expresó hoy a través de un comunicado su preocupación ante las posibles consecuencias del apoyo explícito del jefe de la Policía de la isla, Héctor Pesquera, a que la ciudadanía utilice armas de fuego... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: La Prensa / EFE News Agency
36223
Bahamas
Bahamas Minister's Decision to Carry a Handgun Raises Debate
7 June 2012
Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday he does not understand why anyone would criticize his decision and that of National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage to carry guns.
Bell confirmed to The Nassau Guardian on Tuesday that both he and Nottage are personally armed.
He also pointed out that both he and Nottage have been trained to use firearms.
Former Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest said at a press conference on... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)
36219
Dominican Republic
In Fear of Gun Violence, Dominicans Carry More Hidden Handguns
1 June 2012
Diario Libre (Dominican Republic)
SANTO DOMINGO - In the face of the advance of criminality in the country, it seems that the Dominicans have decided to purchase weapons for themselves for their defense, which is demonstrated by the 298,432 legally registered firearms at the Ministry of the Interior and the Police.
In February of this year, Interior and Police only had 203,394 firearms registered, and from then until now there has been an increase of 95,038.
The majority of these weapons have carry... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Diario Libre (Dominican Republic)
36204
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Calls for Disarmament of Illegally Carried Guns [Espanol]
1 June 2012
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: The President of Senate of Dominican Republic agreed to a disarmament of people who own firearms, but it must be directed primarily to those who carry them illegally, as it is the case of offenders.]
SANTO DOMINGO - El presidente del Senado, Reinaldo Pared Pérez, se mostró de acuerdo con un desarme de las personas que poseen armas de fuego, pero que debe estar dirigido básicamente a quienes la portan de manera ilegal, como es el caso de los... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
36201
United States,France,United Kingdom,China,Pakistan,Venezuela,Cuba,Iran,Algeria,Egypt,Russia,Syria,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
New Global Arms Treaty Must Set Tough, Legally Binding Rules - Oxfam
29 May 2012
Chicago Tribune / Reuters
LONDON - States must set legally binding global rules on weapon and ammunition sales, aid agency Oxfam said on Tuesday, ahead of a United Nations summit to agree an arms treaty to prevent arms reaching human rights violators.
Citing the example of Syria, which has continued to receive arms shipments even as it is accused of killing more than 9,000 civilians in a crackdown on a popular uprising, Oxfam said it is vital that regulations on weapons sales are... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Chicago Tribune / Reuters
36186
Bahamas,Caribbean
UN Provides Small Arms Destruction Equipment to the Bahamas
21 May 2012
UN Dispatch (New York)
NEW YORK - In May, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, through its Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, provided a set of small arms destruction equipment to the Bahamas and trained national officers on the use of the equipment. These activities aim to strengthen the capacity of the Bahamas to combat the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons nationally, as well as in the Caribbean region.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: UN Dispatch (New York)
36150
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
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
Top of Page
