Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Jamaica and Haiti Swap Drugs and Guns
30 August 2022
InSight Crime
Criminal gangs in Jamaica and Haiti are engaged in a deadly trade: the exchange of marijuana for guns.
Boats loaded with up to 3,000 pounds of cannabis take off from Jamaica's coastline, speeding across the Caribbean to nearby Haiti, where the drugs are swapped for handguns and high-powered assault weapons. The boats return with the firearms, which are then sold off piecemeal or in bulk.
The guns-for-drugs trade, as it is known in Jamaica, is greased by traffickers... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica to Introduce the The Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022
29 July 2022
Jamaica Information Service
The House of Representatives recently approved the report and recommendations of the Joint Select Committee on the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act (2022).
The Report outlines the recommended changes to the Bill, following the review and deliberations of the Joint Select Committee.
"Having regard to the number of amendments, it is proposed that the original Bill that was tabled on February 10, 2022, be withdrawn and a new amended Bill be tabled,"... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Gun Dealers Scoff at Import Ban
25 July 2022
Dominican Today
Santo Domingo -- In four years, the Ministry of the Interior and Police issued 57 permits to import firearms, although a decree prohibits doing so.
The entity does not know how many weapons have been introduced into the national territory despite the that the law empowers it to establish the maximum and amount that must be imported by each gun shop.
With an unreliable database, as admitted by the deputy minister of weapons, Aníbal Amparo García, the institution... (GunPolicy.org)
Scandal at Haiti Customs After Over 100,000 Rounds of Smuggled Ammunition Seized
8 July 2022
InSight Crime
Haiti's Customs Agency has seized an extremely large quantity of illegally imported ammunition the same day that its director was replaced on suspicion of arms trafficking, highlighting the Caribbean nation's struggle in combating weapons flows.
On July 1, customs and police authorities interdicted roughly 120,000 rounds of ammunition on board a container ship at Port-au-Paix wharf. The illegal cargo, which had come from the US state of Florida, was almost entirely... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Pushes for Higher Standards of Investigation and Prosecution for Gun Crimes
7 July 2022
The Ministry of National Security
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Courtney Williams, says the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is working to develop and promote higher standards for the investigation and prosecution of trafficking in firearms and related crimes.
While speaking at today's launch of a five-day training workshop, which is being organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Williams explained that the proliferation and increased access to illegal... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Sees an Increase In Firearm Seizure From January To June
6 July 2022
Jamaica Information Service
The Jamaica Constabulary (JCF) Force is reporting a seven per cent increase in the seizure of illicit guns in the first six months of 2022 over the same period last year.
Addressing a virtual press briefing on July 5, Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, informed that 392 firearms have been taken off the streets through the collaborative efforts of the JCF, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and other law-enforcement partners.
He said the figure represents... (GunPolicy.org)
Can United Nations Help Jamaica Finally Curb Gun Violence?
28 June 2022
InSight Crime
In its latest bid to curb the flow of illegal firearms and ensuing violence, Jamaica has turned to the United Nations for help.
Scheduled to run until December 2022, Reducing Small Arms and Light Weapons Joint Programme, referred to as SALIENT, boasts an over $70 million budget and a range of programs spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) in Jamaica.
According to a statement from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), "SALIENT aims to dismantle the factors... (GunPolicy.org)
In Puerto Rico, Buying a Gun Is Now Easier Than Ever
26 June 2022
Global Press Journal
The Puerto Rico Weapons Act of 2020, which made legally obtaining and carrying a firearm much easier, is now over two years old — and Puerto Ricans are buying guns as never before. Nearly 100,000 gun licenses were issued in 2020 and 2021 in total, compared to around 1,200 in 2017.
[Chart in the original]
The Puerto Rico Weapons Act of 2020 was established to create a "new law that conforms to the current reality by seeking a balance between the constitutional right... (GunPolicy.org)
'SALIENT Jamaica' To Tackle Small Arms Trafficking
22 June 2022
Jamaica Information Service
The Norwood area in St. James and Denham Town in Kingston stand to benefit from Jamaica's first community violence audit to support the prevention and reduction of gun violence under a United Nations Jamaica joint programme.
The more than $70-million national initiative 'Reducing Small Arms and Light Weapons Joint Programme, also known as SALIENT Jamaica, aims to dismantle the factors that make it possible for the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunitions into... (GunPolicy.org)
US Guns Fuel Arms Trafficking in the Dominican Republic
3 June 2022
InSight Crime
Seizures of military-style assault weapons in the Dominican Republic are raising concerns that criminal groups are accessing powerful firearms smuggled from the United States and elsewhere.
On May 26, Dominican customs and police authorities launched a sting operation to dismantle an arms trafficking ring smuggling weapons into the Caribbean nation from the United States, according to a news release by the nation's customs authority.
During the raid at Haina Port,... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Republic,United States,Haiti
US Guns Fuel Arms Trafficking in the Dominican Republic
3 June 2022
InSight Crime
Seizures of military-style assault weapons in the Dominican Republic are raising concerns that criminal groups are accessing powerful firearms smuggled from the United States and elsewhere.
On May 26, Dominican customs and police authorities launched a sting operation to dismantle an arms trafficking ring smuggling weapons into the Caribbean nation from the United States, according to a news release by the nation's customs authority.
During the raid at Haina Port,... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Hatches New Plan to Seize Illegal Guns as Murders Soar
10 February 2022
InsightCrime
As attention continues to focus on Jamaica's spiraling homicides, the country's prime minister has promised to stem the violence by clamping down on illegal firearms – a proposition that is easier said than done.
More than 90 guns have been seized as part of the government's "Get Every Illegal Gun" campaign, which launched in early February. The Jamaica Constabulary Force confiscated the latest batch at a gated community in Trelawney after a shootout that left a top... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Rolls Out "Operation Get Every Illegal Gun"
7 February 2022
Jamaica Information Service
Prime Minister Andrew Holness is appealing to persons who are in possession of illegal weapons to give them up and to use the information channels available to provide information on where illegal guns can be recovered and gunmen arrested.
The Prime Minister's appeal comes as the Government rolled out "Operation Get Every Illegal Gun".
Noting that there are several key elements to the "Get Every Illegal Gun" campaign, the Prime Minister said some are highly... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica,Venezuela,Honduras,Trinidad & Tobago,Colombia,Belize,Mexico,Brazil,El Salvador,Guatemala,Guyana,Ecuador,Haiti,Panama,Costa Rica,Dominican Republic,Uruguay,Paraguay,Nicaragua,Peru,Chile,Argentina,Bolivia
InSight Crime's 2021 Homicide Round-Up
1 February 2022
InSight Crime
In 2021, most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a marked increase in murders. Resurgent violence was to be expected after some of the world's longest COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted.
Much of the population found themselves sinking deeper into poverty. With schools late to reopen, teenagers returned to the streets with little to do, making them prime targets for recruitment.
The pandemic also made law enforcement more difficult. Police were... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Republic,United States
A Rhode Island Man was Arrested for Trafficking the Firearms to the Dominican Republic
9 January 2022
CNN
A Rhode Island man was arrested in New York Thursday for allegedly selling or attempting to sell more than 100 guns that he produced at his home, according to the US Attorney's Office Southern District of New York.
Most of the guns were untraceable "privately made firearms" (PMF's), known as "ghost guns."
Robert Alcantara, 34, was charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms and one count of making false statements, the US Department of Justice said in a... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Permits On Hold in Trinidad and Tobago
6 October 2021
Newsday (Trinidad and Tobago)
The police firearms unit at the core of the imbroglio involving former police commissioner Gary Griffith, the now defunct Police Service Commission (PSC) and the leadership of the service, is in "quarantine."
On Saturday, the Prime Minister, during his media briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's said the firearms department was closed.
"One of the recommendations that came through the plethora was that the the firearms department in the police service (is)... (GunPolicy.org)
The Dominican Republic To Buy Back Privately Owned Guns
22 March 2021
Telesur (Venezuela)
This policy seeks to reduce the levels of violence associated with the illegal possession of weapons in this Caribbean country.
The Dominican Republic's President Luis Abinader announced that a program to buy illegal weapons will start on April 6 to reduce the violence levels.
Besides the destruction of the weapons, his plan establishes compensation in cash and coupons redeemable for any product in commercial establishments.
It also includes compensation for police,... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica,Venezuela,Haiti,Honduras,Trinidad & Tobago,Mexico,Belize,Colombia,El Salvador,Brazil,Puerto Rico,Guatemala,Pakistan,Panama,Costa Rica,Nicaragua,Uruguay,Dominican Republic,Peru,Ecuador,Paraguay,Argentina,Chile,Bolivia
InSight Crime's 2020 Homicide Round-Up
29 January 2021
InSight Crime
While unrest gripped much of Latin America in 2019, it was the coronavirus that took center stage and ripped through the region in 2020, upending everything from commercial trade to the operations of local gangs and transnational criminal organizations.
It's too early to tell with any degree of certainty how exactly the pandemic may have impacted levels of violence, but there were notable developments, including significant reductions in El Salvador, Guatemala,... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica,Honduras,Trinidad & Tobago,El Salvador,Belize,Mexico,Colombia,Guatemala,Puerto Rico,Brazil,Panama,Costa Rica,Uruguay,Dominican Republic,Peru,Nicaragua,Ecuador,Argentina,Chile,Bolivia,Paraguay
InSight Crime's 2019 Homicide Round-Up
28 January 2020
InSight Crime
Unrest gripped much of Latin America and the Caribbean throughout 2019. From record violence in Mexico that recalled the darkest days of the drug war, to increased fighting among armed groups in Colombia vying for control in the absence of the FARC and a rise in massacres in Honduras, the region was again one of the world's most homicidal last year.
In its annual Homicide Round-Up, InSight Crime looks into the country-by-country murder rates and the factors... (GunPolicy.org)
How American Gun Laws Are Fueling Jamaica's Homicide Crisis
29 August 2019
New York Times
She came to Jamaica from the United States about four years ago, sneaking in illegally, stowed away to avoid detection. Within a few short years, she became one of the nation's most-wanted assassins.
She preyed on the parish of Clarendon, carrying out nine confirmed kills, including a double homicide outside a bar, the killing of a father at a wake and the murder of a single mother of three. Her violence was indiscriminate: She shot and nearly killed a 14-year-old girl... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Botswana,Cook Islands,Fiji,Iceland,Ireland,Kiribati,Malawi,Marshall Islands,Nauru,New Zealand,Niue,Norway,Samoa,Solomon Islands,Tonga,Tuvalu,United Kingdom,Vanuatu,Virgin Islands (US)
The 19 Countries That Do Not Arm Their Police Officers
19 July 2017
CNN
A woman who called 911 to report a nearby crime was killed by a US police officer last weekend. The circumstances surrounding her death are still unclear.
The fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk, a dual Australian-US national who had settled in Minnesota in 2014, has made headlines in both her native Australia and her adopted home in Minneapolis – once again reigniting the all too familiar debate surrounding the role that firearms play in both law enforcement and in... (GunPolicy.org)
US Halts Gun Exports to Jamaica as Irregularities Emerge
10 November 2016
Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON — The United States Embassy says that in light of recent events concerning Jamaica's Firearms Licensing Authority (FLA) they will be reviewing the firearm export licensing approval process.
In a release this afternoon, the embassy said that during this review, there will be a temporary pause on firearm exports as they request further guidance from Washington on the long-term status of export licenses for firearms from the US destined for Jamaica.
Earlier... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Dominican Republic
Many More American Guns Seized in Dominican Republic [ES]
4 November 2016
Acento (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: 115 firearms, 57,000 rounds of ammunition and military equipment of American origin were seized in the Dominican Republic in the last two months. Among the firearms were pistols, rifles, pellet guns, shotguns, revolvers and one automatic machine gun.]
SANTO DOMINGO -- Los esfuerzos de las autoridades de Estados Unidos por frenar el tráfico ilegal de armas de fuego y municiones desde su territorio hacia la República Dominicana hasta el momento han... (GunPolicy.org)
Puerto Rico Reaffirms the Constitutionality of Its Gun Law [ES]
1 November 2016
Primera Hora (Puerto Rico)
[Translated summary: The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico reaffirmed the constitutionality of the Firearms Law. Last year, a judge intended to declare as unconstitutional the articles related to licensing, in an attempt to eliminate background checks and lower the minimum age to own firearms. The Secretary of Justice explained that eliminating these articles would have allowed anyone to own firearms indiscriminately.]
El Tribunal Supremo de Puerto Rico reiteró ayer la... (GunPolicy.org)
FBI Helps Dominican Republic to Fight Gun Trafficking [ES]
25 October 2016
CDN (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: US authorities are helping the Dominican Republic with illegal firearms trafficking investigations, allowing the country to access FBI information. The last shipments of firearms seized in DR consisted of weapons of war, rifles, pistols, revolvers, ammunition, military equipment, bullet making machinery and a grenade. The guns were found in food boxes sent from the US.]
SANTO DOMINGO -- El Buró Federal de Investigaciones de Estados Unidos (FBI por... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Owner Licensing Soars 71% in Puerto Rico [ES]
9 October 2016
El Nuevo Dia (Puerto Rico)
[Translated summary: In Puerto Rico, there are 210,438 registered firearms among civilians and another 15,628 in gun shops. Ownership licences increased 70.9% between 2011 and 2015 while concealed carry licences rose 18.7%. Police also observe that firearm possession incremented among women, with 747 licences in 2011 and 1,980 en 2015.]
Se reporta un incremento en la expedición de licencias y permisos de portación, así como en el valor de las importaciones de este... (GunPolicy.org)
Haiti Police Seize Nearly 100 New Guns Destined for Jamaica
6 October 2016
Jamaica Gleaner
An arsenal of close to 100 brand-new high-powered firearms and hundreds of assorted ammunition were confiscated by the police in Haiti just over a week ago, and Jamaican law-enforcement authorities have indicated that several of them were destined for Jamaica's criminal underworld.
In a photograph obtained exclusively by The Gleaner, Haitian police and military personnel were seen inspecting several of the weapons, which included automatic rifles and... (GunPolicy.org)
Haiti Legalizes 38,000 Guns Traded on the Black Market [FR]
16 September 2016
Haitian-Caribbean News Network
[Translated summary: Haiti's government has announced that 38,000 firearms, obtained through the black market, have been legalised as part of an effort to control the large quantity of illegal weapons in circulation. Several reports by experts show that tens of thousands of illicit firearms are in circulation across the country.]
PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Le gouvernement Haïtien a annoncé que quelque 38,000 armes à feu, négociées sur le marché noir, ont été... (GunPolicy.org)
'Alarming Increase' as 545 Guns Seized in Trinidad & Tobago
16 September 2016
Stabroek News (Guyana)
There has been an alarming increase in the quantity of guns and ammunition seized by police this year compared with last year.
The T&T Police Service (TTPS) was given a performance target by the office of the Commissioner of Police to recover at least 690 illegal firearms by the end of the year.
And with just over three months left, the organisation is well on its way to achieving this number, having recovered 545 illegal firearms.
In fact, this number represents an... (GunPolicy.org)
Haiti Legalizes 38,000 Guns Traded on the Black Market
16 September 2016
Haitian-Caribbean News Network
PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Haiti's government has announced that some 38,000 firearms, traded on the black market, were legalized as part of an effort to control the large quantity of illegal weapons in circulation in the impoverished Caribbean country.
Prime minister Enex Jean-Charles said on Thursday that a process to legalize illegal weapons was launched by the high command of the Haitian National Police (HNP) as instructed by the High Council of the National Police, chaired... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuelans Trading Guns for Food with Trinidadians - Police
15 September 2016
Caribbean 360
PORT OF SPAIN – Venezuelans and Trinidadians are bartering on the high seas, selling and/or exchanging arms and ammunition for food and basic commodities.
These trades also take place at some of T&T's remote coastal ports, according to Assistant Superintendent of Police Vernly Gift of the Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB).
He made the comments yesterday at the police weekly briefing where he said there is a need for greater monitoring of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Smuggled US Assault Rifles Seized in Dominican Republic [ES]
14 September 2016
Proceso (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: A shipment of assault rifles, a shotgun, ammunition and accessories was seized by custom officers of the Dominican Republic. The Sandy Cargo Express ship in which they were found came from Florida. In the last few weeks, Dominican customs seized several guns and ammunition coming from New York, New Jersey, Miami and Puerto Rico.]
Un cargamento de fusiles de asalto, municiones, percutores y cargadores, así como una escopeta calibre 22, fueron... (GunPolicy.org)
Law Aims to Reduce Gun Violence in Dominican Republic [ES]
2 September 2016
Al Momento
[Translated Summary: In the Dominican Republic, Deputy Victor Bosonó says that in the 90s there were eight to ten deaths from gunfire per hundred thousand inhabitants. That number has now tripled, with "80% of homicides committed with firearms". A new gun control law tackles illegal possession of all firearms -- home guns, civilian or military guns, modified or stolen from a soldier.]
El diputado Reformista, Víctor Bisonó, consideró que la ley para el Control y... (GunPolicy.org)
Virgin Islands Law Now Requires All Guns to Be Registered
1 August 2016
The Virgin Islands Consortium
Governor Kenneth Mapp has signed into law a measure requiring all guns coming into the territory be registered at ports of entry — including sea and land.
The bill's sponsor, Senator Tregenza A. Roach, says it was forged based on complaints by Virgin Islands Police Department officials, who argued that weapons that are not registered eventually fall into the wrong hands and cannot be tracked.
Mr. Roach, who said he has a "growing concern" for the escalation of gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Stages Required to Obtain a Firearm Licence in Haiti [FR]
31 July 2016
Ici Haiti
[Translated summary: To obtain a firearm licence in Haiti, first applicants have to present a written request to the General Director of the National Police. After, they have to pass an interview at the General Director's Office and then complete other formalities such as digital fingerprints, ballistics, lack of criminal records, etc. Finally, applicants have to pay a tax.]
Afin d'obtenir un permis d'arme à feu en Haïti, 5 étapes sont à considérer :
1 -... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Senate Passes New, Tougher Gun Law [ES]
19 July 2016
Al Momento (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: The Dominican Senate passed a new Firearm Law that imposes tough sanctions on citizens who own illegal guns, and punishes authorities who comply with this practice. The law bans the carry and use of weapons of war and commands police to resolve cases in which civilians don't surrender illegal guns voluntarily. Licensing will be more rigorous; it will request consent of partners and thorough medical evaluations, among other things.]
Santo Domingo... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Puerto Rico,Caribbean
Florida a 'Massive' Gun-Smuggling Gateway to North, Caribbean
18 July 2016
News 4 Jax (USA)
JACKSONVILLE -- Across the state of Florida, Jacksonville had the most guns recovered last year that were tied to crimes -- more than 4,000 in 2014 and 2015 combined, the News4Jax I-TEAM learned.
Why here? The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives points to our open highways with access to JaxPort. Those interstates include I-10, even I-75, and the big one, I-95.
In fact, I-95 is so notorious for gun trafficking, it's called the "Iron Pipeline." Guns... (GunPolicy.org)
Caribbean,American Samoa,Niue,Palau,Northern Mariana Islands,Nauru,Cook Islands,Fiji,Micronesia,French Polynesia,Marshall Islands,Kiribati,Papua New Guinea,Samoa,Solomon Islands,Tonga,Tuvalu,Vanuatu,New Caledonia
Addressing Gun Violence in the Caribbean and the Pacific
15 July 2016
The Diplomat (Japan)
"The seas bring us together, they do not separate us."
–Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Caribbean and the Pacific each offer a unique and contrasting perspective toward addressing armed violence. Despite sharing similar challenges as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), each region faces very different circumstances on the ground. In light of this, each region has taken a different approach toward addressing armed violence. The Pacific stands... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica's 'Get the Guns' Campaign Seizes 336 Firearms
12 July 2016
Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON – The 'Get the Guns' campaign continues to reap results in the number of illegal guns seized by the security forces since the start of the year.
Communication Officer, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, reports that law-enforcement officers have seized 336 illegal guns from communities all across Jamaica.
Speaking at a press conference at the Office of the Commissioner in St Andrew on July 11, Superintendent Lindsay said the... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Republic to Renew 125,000 Expired Gun Licences
30 June 2016
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated Summary: The Dominican Ministry of Interior and Police (MIP) granted 232,142 firearm licences since October 1965. Now, 125,036 of those licences must be renewed because they are expired. Licences to possess a firearm are different than licences to carry, and one owner can have more than one firearm registered. Every owner must register their fingerprints and their firearms' ballistic fingerprints in order to receive the licence.]
Desde el 26 de octubre de... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 450,000 Dominicans Have Guns Despite Firearm Law [ES]
22 June 2016
Listin Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated Summary: 20,455 people have been shot dead in the Dominican Republic in the past 15 years. Guns, parts and ammunition worth US$40.3 million have been imported in the past seven years. Also, there are 878 rifles, 55,360 shotguns and 165,315 handguns held legally by the civilian population, but more than 300,000 illegally.]
El auge de la delincuencia, cada vez más violenta y asesina, es uno de los graves problemas que acusa a la sociedad dominicana en estos... (GunPolicy.org)
Hidden Handgun Ban Lifted in Haiti [FR]
15 June 2016
Vant Bef Info (Haiti)
[Translated summary: Haiti's Ministry of Justice and Public Security has lifted the measure suspending all permits to carry firearms.]
Près de 5 jours après avoir suspendu tous les permis de port d'armes sur toute l'étendue du territoire, le ministère de la justice et de la sécurité publique (MJSP) est revenu sur sa décision, a appris Vant Bèf Info.
En effet, suite à une réunion du Conseil supérieur de la Police Nationale (CSPN), tenue ce 15 juin 2016,... (GunPolicy.org)
New Gun Law Aims for Disarmament in Dominican Republic [ES]
8 June 2016
El Nuevo Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated summary: In two consecutive sessions the Chamber of Deputies approved the controversial Firearms Carrying and Possession Bill. Focused on preventing the misuse of guns by civilians, military and political parties, the bill aims for gradual civilian disarmament.]
La Cámara de Diputados declaró de urgencia y aprobó en dos sesiones consecutivas el controversial proyecto de ley de Porte y Tenencia de Armas de Fuego.
Los legisladores acogieron una solicitud... (GunPolicy.org)
So Far This Year, 220 Guns Seized in Trinidad & Tobago
8 June 2016
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Over the last five years, 2,000 guns and 30,000 rounds of ammunition have been seized in T&T and so far this year, 220 guns and 2,600 rounds of ammunition have been taken off the streets between January and March, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon says.
He gave the statistics in the Senate yesterday while replying to questions from Opposition Senator Wade Mark on measures being taken to address the murder rate, now 207.
Dillon prefaced his reply, saying: "As... (GunPolicy.org)
Almost 60% of Jamaica's Confiscated Firearms Come from USA
6 June 2016
Jamaica Gleaner
A steady stream of guns continues to flow from the United States into Jamaica despite a raft of measures implemented by local law-enforcement authorities.
In the last two years, the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has traced the history of 991 guns seized in Jamaica over the period and found that 567, or nearly 60 per cent, were "sourced in the US".
The term "sourced in the US" refers to guns manufactured in or legally imported into the... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Control Law to Curb Civilian Firearms in Dominica [ES]
31 May 2016
El Nuevo Diario (Dominican Republic)
[Translated Summary: Dominica's Firearms Carrying and Possession bill will keep decreasing the number of violent deaths caused by firearms. The number of deaths per 100,000 citizens in the first trimester of 2016 was 16, while between 2012 and 2016 it was 24-25.]
SANTO DOMINGO -- El vocero de los diputados del Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD), Elpidio Báez reveló este martes que la comisión de Interior y Policía del organismo legislativo rendirá en la... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica's 'Get the Guns Campaign' Seizes 234 Firearms
13 May 2016
Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Police High Command is commending the St Catherine North Police for the seizure of several high-powered firearms in McCooks Pen, St Catherine on today. Nine people were taken into custody in relation to the seizure.
Reports are that following several months of intense investigations and intelligence gathering the police launched a special operation in an area called 'Gun Farm' in McCooks Pen, where the cache of weapons was seized.
The weapons... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Campaign Paid $700,000 in Tipoffs to Destroy Guns
21 April 2016
Jamaica Observer
Three hundred and fifty-one guns have been seized under the Get the Guns campaign, which was launched in September of last year and more than $700,000 paid out to persons who have given information that has led to the recovery of these firearms, Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams said Tuesday.
He was speaking with Jamaica Observer reporters and editors at the newspaper's head office on Beechwood Avenue in Kingston.
Dr Williams explained that it was important to... (GunPolicy.org)
5,000 to 6,000 Lawful Firearm Owners in Guadeloupe [FR]
22 March 2016
France Info, Agence France Presse
[Translated summary: Prefect of Guadeloupe calls for another gun amnesty. In January, Pointe-à-Pitre's Attorney said that there were 5,000 to 6,000 lawful firearm owners.]
Le préfet de la Guadeloupe, Jacques Billant, a lancé mardi une nouvelle campagne appelant la population à rendre les armes dont elle serait détentrice, même illégalement, sans crainte de poursuites judiciaires, alors que depuis le début de l'année le département a déjà enregistré huit... (GunPolicy.org)
Guadeloupe Needs More Police to Curb Armed Violence [FR]
17 March 2016
MetaMag
[Translated summary: Guadeloupe police ask for reinforcement, claiming homicide and gun violence are without real control. Murders by any method reached a peak in 2015, with seven more so far this year.]
Les élus de Guadeloupe viennent de tirer la « sonnette d'alarme » sur la violence dans leur département, réclamant, dans une lettre ouverte au Premier ministre, des renforts de forces de l'ordre après le septième homicide depuis le début de l'année et une... (GunPolicy.org)
France,Caribbean,Eastern Europe
40% Increase in Smuggled, Seized Firearms in France [FR]
17 March 2016
Le Figaro (France)
[Translated summary: In France, results in the fight against arms trafficking increased strongly, with a 40% increase in the number of firearms seized (1,158 against 828 in 2014). Strong measures against arms trafficking have been implemented. France deplores 1,800 deaths by firearm every year.]
Tabac et articles de contrefaçon, drogues ou encore armes… 2015 est un cru plutôt faste pour les douanes qui ont multiplié les saisies. En matière de la lutte contre les... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Concerned At High-powered Rifles Seized in Bahamas
15 March 2016
Tribune (Bahamas)
Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said police are "very concerned" by the amount of cocaine and high-powered rifles that have been seized on the streets of New Providence and Grand Bahama this year.
Mr Greenslade said it is disgraceful that more than 200 weapons have been confiscated so far for the year. He "begged" members of the public to assist police in their investigations and said the Bahamas is only "one person with a little dope in their head" and a... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Buybacks Could Reduce Violence in Guadeloupe [FR]
19 January 2016
France-Antilles
[Translated summary: 328 guns were recovered during the last three government-sponsored 'Deposit the Guns' operations in Guadeloupe. However, thousands of firearms are still in circulation and violent attacks are on the rise. One possible solution would be to repeat the buybacks: for example a budget of 4 million euros could buy 16,000 guns.]
Déposez vos armes! L'opération menée par les services de l'État en Guadeloupe pour inciter les Guadeloupéens à rendre... (GunPolicy.org)
18 November 2015
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia (Puerto Rico)
Gun laws in Puerto Rico regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, many U.S. federal laws apply, as well as Constitutional rulings and protections. (1) (2)
Summary Table
Subject/Law? Long guns - Handguns - (Notes)
Permit to purchase? No - No - (Firearms purchases are subject to the requirements of US Federal law)
Firearm registration? No - No
Assault... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica: "Get the Guns Campaign" Launch
20 September 2015
Jamaica Constabulary Force, Web page
"Get the Guns;" that is the message from Commissioner of Police Dr. Carl Williams as the 'Get the Guns Campaign' was officially launched at the Office of the Commissioner of Police on Thursday, September 17.
The campaign, which was first announced in July of this year, is geared towards significantly reducing the number of illegal guns and ammunition in the hands of criminals in Jamaica.
"Our intention is to seize illegal guns well above our current average of 600... (GunPolicy.org)
11 Guns Handed Over During Amnesty in British Virgin Islands
10 August 2015
BVI News (British Virgin Islands)
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Firearm and Prohibited Weapons Amnesty yielded an impressive 11 firearms, two with accompanying ammunition.
Chief Firearms Officer Acting Chief Inspector Ernest Gumbs stated that the unit collected a 30-30 rifle; a .357 Magnum handgun along with 27 rounds of ammunition; a M-1911 .45 semi-auto pistol; a .38 snub noise revolver with 50 fifty rounds of ammunition; five air rifles and two air pistols.
Commissioner of Police David... (GunPolicy.org)
Guam,United States,Puerto Rico
15 July 2015
Pacific Daily News (Guam)
The timing of a recent court ruling from the Commonwealth Court of Puerto Rico could not be better, and may well set in motion a significant ripple effect in other U.S. Island jurisdictions, namely Guam and Hawaii.
The Puerto Rican court recently handed down a ruling on a class action lawsuit that was brought by the Ladies of the Second Amendment, or LSA, with 850 individual plaintiffs. The court ruling, confirmed by the Second Amendment Foundation, or SAF, was a... (GunPolicy.org)
19 June 2015
Second Amendment Foundation News (Washington)
BELLEVUE, WA - A surprising victory for gun rights in Puerto Rico has eliminated the firearms registry and licensing requirements to purchase and carry in the Commonwealth, the Second Amendment Foundation has confirmed.
As of now, according to Sandra Barreras with Ladies of the Second Amendment (LSA), the group that brought the lawsuit, "there is no regulation to purchase or carry (and) all purchases will be handled in accordance with federal firearms regulations." LSA... (GunPolicy.org)
Nicaragua,Peru,Haiti,Dominican Republic,Cuba,Mexico,Honduras,Guatemala,Turkey,El Salvador,United States,Russia,Austria,Belgium,Colombia,Brazil,Czech Republic,Germany,Israel,Venezuela,Italy,Spain
16 January 2015
Los Angeles Times, Opinion
During the 1980s, El Salvador was the single largest recipient of U.S. military hardware and weaponry in the Western Hemisphere. Although the Central American country's civil war ended in 1992, the guns, grenades and bullets linger, as do their murderous effects. In September, a U.S. official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives estimated that half the weapons available on El Salvador's vibrant black market were made in the United... (GunPolicy.org)
Amnesty Announced for Guns in British Virgin Islands
7 January 2015
BVI News
With the amended Firearms and Air Gun Act (2015) now in effect, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said it has launched a firearm and prohibited weapons amnesty that will run throughout the month of July.
The RVIPF hopes persons will use the opportunity, in light of the increased prison terms likely, to turn over all illegal or prohibited weapons in their possession to police.
Commissioner of Police David Morris noted that persons found in possession of an... (GunPolicy.org)
South America,Central America,Caribbean,Cuba,United States,Russia,Nicaragua,Israel,El Salvador,Honduras,Europe,Belgium,Czech Republic,Germany,Italy,South Africa,Spain,Colombia,Mexico,Venezuela,Brazil,Argentina,Chile,Paraguay,Panama,Ecuador
Small Arms Trade a 'Dramatic Threat' to Latin America
13 October 2014
NACLA
Small arms and gun violence present the most dramatic threat to public safety in Latin America and the Caribbean. After decades of uncontrolled proliferation, at least 45 million to 80 million small arms and light weapons—that is, weapons operated by an individual or small group, including handguns, assault rifles, grenades, grenade launchers, and even man portable surface to air missiles—are circulating throughout the region.(1) Gunshots kill between 73,000 and... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Officials Destroy 2,000 Seized Guns
29 July 2014
New Zealand Herald, Associated Press
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - Authorities destroyed roughly 2,000 firearms Monday and plan to use the mangled metal to build a monument promoting peace.
The Dominican Republic's attorney general, Francisco Dominguez, and other officials gathered in the capital of Santo Domingo to watch a steamroller destroy the haul of guns seized by police over the years.
The metal from the destroyed weapons will be given to sculptor Jose Ignacio Morales, who has been... (GunPolicy.org)
220,553 Legally Registered Guns in Dominican Republic
10 July 2014
Dominican Today
SANTO DOMINGO - Dominican Republic's population has 220,553 legally registered guns, most of them pistols of various calibers, but instead of defense for their owners, they also make them a target of thugs who sell them, but often commit murder.
An example of this is the arrest of Juan Carlos de la Cruz (El Menor), 24, over the weekend, carrying a 9mm pistol stolen from a Police major. The detainee said he got the gun from "Ronny" in exchange for two grams of cocaine,... (GunPolicy.org)
Caribbean Concerns Over Increase in Illegal Firearms, Gang Membership
29 June 2014
Jamaica Observer
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - There has been an increase in the number of illegal firearms and gang membership in the Caricom region executive director of Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Francis Forbes has said.
Describing it as "more than a cause for concern" while addressing the regional workshop on the Arms Trade Treaty at the Trinidad Hilton hotel last week Forbes said: "Only last year there were 2,143 homicides committed in 11 Caricom... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Republic Minister Says Gun Import Ban Ineffective [ES]
29 June 2014
Listin Diario
[Translated summary: The Defence Minister of the Dominican Republic says the ban on importing firearms has done more harm than good, adding that 98% of firearm deaths and injuries are caused by illegal weapons.]
SANTO DOMINGO - El ministro de Defensa aseguró que la prohibición de la importación de armas de fuego ha hecho más mal que bien al país.
El almirante Sigfrido Pared Pérez reveló que el 98 por ciento de las muertes y heridas que se cometen son producidas... (GunPolicy.org)
Barbados AG Worried About Recent Spate of Gun Murders
18 June 2014
Caribbean 360
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Six murders involving the use of firearms this year have Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite, vowing to crackdown on people trying to smuggle guns into the country.
On Monday, Brathwaite said as of the end of May, there were six murders committed with the use of guns, compared to two for the same period last year.
"If firearms are coming into the country illegally, it is not just a police matter. It is a Customs matter, it is a Coast Guard... (GunPolicy.org)
St Vincent & Grenadines,Jamaica
St Vincent, Jamaica Ratify Arms Treaty
4 June 2014
Jamaica Observer
UNITED NATIONS — St Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica have ratified the new Arms Trade Treaty as the Caribbean seeks to play an historic role in helping end the irresponsible, lethal global US$85 billion trade in small arms and light weapons and ammunition.
The delegations from the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries Tuesday attended a special ratification ceremony at the United Nations' Headquarters to mark the event.
"It is really positive that two... (GunPolicy.org)
Children in Jamaica Injured, Killed by Guns in Rising Numbers
2 June 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Express
KINGSTON - The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says 60 children were murdered here during the period January 2013 to May this year.
The JCF said, in addition, 99 children were shot and injured by criminals during the same period.
According to the statistics released by the JCF, over the last two months, seven children between the ages seven and 17 years were murdered while one was shot and injured.
As a result, the police are calling on all citizens to redouble... (GunPolicy.org)
$30m of Firearms Seized, Over 450 Shootings in Jamaica in 2014
31 May 2014
Jamaica Gleaner
AN ESTIMATED $30 million worth of guns and ammunition have been taken off the streets of Jamaica since the start of the year.
Police data from January 1 to May 24, this year, has shown that 250 firearms and 3,417 rounds of ammunition have been recovered.
And on Thursday of this week, the cops confirmed that another nine guns and more than 1,000 rounds were seized in St Catherine.
A breakdown of the guns confiscated, as indicated by the police statistics, showed that... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaican Police Seize 13 Firearms, Over 2000 Rounds in Two Days
29 May 2014
Jamaica Observer
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica - Police operating in Kingston West and St Catherine divisions say that in less than 24 hours, they removed 13 firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition from the possession of criminals
The lawmen also apprehended a man they believe is the leader of Kingston's notorious Scare Dem Crew Gang.
The police said they were able to accomplish this in separate incidents between Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29.
Reports are that about 1:30... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearm Dealers' Fee Have Risen 100% in Jamaica
22 May 2014
Jamaica Gleaner
There is to be a 100 per cent increase in the cost for a firearm dealer's licence as Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips has signed a ministerial order approving greater charges for firearm licences, certificates and payments.
But retired assistant commissioner Errol Strong, who chaired the board of the Firearm Licensing Authority until 2010, said the increase "will not break the back of the dealers".
The ministerial order, dated May 2, which was laid in the House of... (GunPolicy.org)
Hopes New Coastguard Base Will Lower Gun Smuggling in St Vincent & Grenadines
20 April 2014
I-Witness News (St Vincent & Grenadines)
A gun in the hands of an untrained person is like a weapon of mass destruction, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles said last week, adding that the completion of the Coastguard base in Canouan can help to stem the flow of illegal guns into this country.
Guns were used in eight of the nine murders recorded here this year, and police have also taken 15 illegal guns off the street.
One was handed in to the police and the others were seized during stop and searches and... (GunPolicy.org)
Major Haul of Smuggled Guns Seized in Bahamas
16 April 2014
Tribune (Bahamas)
FREEPORT – Following a major firearm seizure in Exuma, a Bahamas Customs official expressed concerns about the new smuggling techniques that are being employed by gun smugglers in the Bahamas.
The illegal importation of firearms is a major challenge for Bahamian law enforcement authorities. Guns are used in about 60 per cent of violent crimes in the country.
In the Bahamas, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population was 22.2 in 2010, according to an... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Republic to Launch Disarmament Campaign
14 April 2014
Infosurhoy.com
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic is following Brazil's lead in an effort to gets weapons off the street as part of a strategy to reduce crime.
Under an agreement between the two countries, Brazilian experts will offer technical assistance to help Dominican authorities establish a program to "reduce the number of firearms and ammunition among the civil population," according to a prepared statement from the Ministry of Economy, Planning and... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearms Amnesty in Martinique Recovers Over 800 Guns [FR]
14 April 2014
Le Monde (France)
[Translated summary: Since the beginning of the year, out of 13 homicides, 10 were committed with firearms. Since the start of the amnesty, over 800 firearms have been recovered. Most firearms circulating in Martinique are shotguns that were diverted during robberies and then altered (sawed-off shotguns).]
Le 26 février, en plein jour, un jeune homme de 29 ans était froidement abattu sous les yeux de sa mère au coeur du quartier Godissard, une cité populaire de... (GunPolicy.org)
Haiti,Americas,Asia,Africa,Europe,South Sudan,Liberia,Oceania
Over 400,000 People Murdered Worldwide in 2012, 40 Percent Caused by Guns
10 April 2014
UN Dispatch (New York)
Almost half a million people across the world lost their lives in 2012 as a result of intentional homicide, with the highest murder rates logged in the Americas and Africa, and the lowest in Europe, Asia and Oceania, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports.
"Too many lives are being tragically cut short, too many families and communities left shattered. There is an urgent need to understand how violent crime is plaguing countries around the world,... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearms Amnesty in Martinique Recovers Over 300 Guns [FR]
1 April 2014
Europe 1 (France)
[Translated summary: 307 long guns and 161 handguns were recovered during a two-month amnesty in Martinique. Crime has increased in Martinique. Two similar campaign in Guadeloupe recovered over 200 firearms.]
Violence - En deux mois, l'opération a permis de récolter plus de 307 armes. La Martinique a connu de nombreux crimes sanglants en 2013.
307 armes récupérées. En Martinique, la campagne "Déposez les armes" joue les prolongations. L'opération de deux mois... (GunPolicy.org)
Trinidad Minister Promises to Rid Country of Guns 'By Any Means Necessary'
24 March 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Express
National Security Minister Gary Griffith said his focus is to clear Trinidad and Tobago of all guns "by any means necessary".
He was commenting on the latest police raid in Malabar, Arima, on Saturday morning when 11 persons were arrested for allegedly having guns and ammunition.
In a telephone interview on Saturday, Griffith confirmed that an AK47 was found, saying it was not a normal kind of gun but one which had the capacity to fire rapidly.
"This is... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Police Uses New Method to Find Illegal Guns After Amnesty Failure
12 March 2014
Bernama (Malaysia) / NAM News Network
ROSEAU - Law enforcement officials here have admitted that a gun amnesty launched in Dominica a few years ago has failed.
The gun amnesty, which was spearheaded by the Government of Dominica, was geared towards persons with illegal firearms.
They were asked to bring these firearms to the police and would not face any charges; however, according to reports, only two persons took advantage of that.
Speaking on the heels of several gun related incidents over the past... (GunPolicy.org)
Martinique Firearms Amnesty Nets Over 250 Guns So Far [FR]
10 March 2014
France-Antilles News (Martinique)
[Translated summary: A firearms amnesty campaign in Martinique has collected 254 guns, including 168 long guns and 86 handguns. The amnesty runs from 1 February 2013 until 31 March 2014.]
La campagne « Déposez les armes », lancée le 1er février, est d'ores et déjà une réussite. À ce jour (10 mars 2014), « après cinq semaines, le bilan intermédiaire est encourageant », note la préfecture dans un communiqué. 254 armes à feu ont déjà été remises aux... (GunPolicy.org)
Latest Crime Statistics Show Failure of Gun Control in Turks & Caicos
3 March 2014
TCI News Now (Turks & Caicos)
The police have issued their annual report on the numbers of crimes committed in the Turks and Caicos and the picture is not encouraging. The number of crimes has increased by about 50%, with robbery the crime of greatest concern.
Some residents are blaming the disappointing figures on the return to elected government, with nine residents interviewed saying that the younger people committing the crimes had expected jobs and contracts that had been the hallmark of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Libya,West Asia,Egypt,Syria,Mali,North Africa,Italy,France,United States,United Kingdom,Russia,Belarus,China,Algeria,Caribbean,South America,Niger,Chad,European Union,Tunisia
Post-Uprising Gun Proliferation is Destabilising the Middle East
20 February 2014
Fair Observer
In recent years, as order in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) eroded between uprisings and armed conflicts, the desire for arms amongst a wide range of actors became one more destabilizing factor in the complexities of each situation.
However, arms proliferation is nothing new to the MENA region. Whether it was through state actors or black market trading, weapons have circulated throughout the Middle East and North Africa for many years.
Today, arms... (GunPolicy.org)
8 Dead, 12 Injured After Day of Gun Violence in Guatemala
16 February 2014
Latin American Herald Tribune (Venezuela)
GUATEMALA CITY – At least eight people died and about a dozen were wounded, including four children, in violence around Guatemala over the past 12 hours, authorities and emergency services personnel reported Sunday.
A spokesman with the National Civil Police, or PNC, told reporters that the eight victims were shot in several incidents in the Guatemalan capital and vicinity.
In Villa Nueva, one of the capital's southern suburbs, the bodies of two men were found, both... (GunPolicy.org)
Turks and Caicos Police Begin Check on Expired Firearms Licences
10 February 2014
TCI News Now (Turks & Caicos Islands)
A review and an inventory is currently being conducted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) firearms department on the status of all persons who are in possession of a firearms licence.
Strict measures will be imposed on those persons with expired licences. These measures may result in the suspension, revocation and/or the possibility of being charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Residents are reminded that firearms... (GunPolicy.org)
Puerto Rico Man Jailed for 109 Years After Fatal Shooting of Wife
8 February 2014
Latin American Herald Tribune (Venezuela)
SAN JUAN - Pablo Casellas Toro, the son of a former Puerto Rico treasury secretary now on the U.S. federal bench, was sentenced here Thursday to 109 years in prison for the murder of his wife.
Casellas was convicted Jan. 22 of killing wife Carmen Paredes on July 14, 2012, at the couple's home in the affluent San Juan suburb of Guaynabo.
"I want to make it clear that this conviction and this sentence that you are ready to impose are an injustice, because I did not kill... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearm Amnesty Begins in Martinique, 138 Guns Seized in 2013 [FR]
2 February 2014
La Croix (France)
[Translated summary: Martinique authorities have begun a two-month firearms amnesty. The campaign hopes to prevent crime and officials say 138 firearms were seized in Martinique in 2013, including some which were illegally imported or stolen. A similar campaign in Guadeloupe last year was very successful.]
Comme les Guadeloupéens l'an denier, les Martiniquais sont invités par l'autorité préfectorale à remettre les armes à feu en leur possession dans le cadre... (GunPolicy.org)
St Kitts & Nevis,United States
eTrace System Leads to Arrests in St Kitts for Gun Crimes
27 January 2014
SKN Vibes, Media release
BASSETERRE, St Kitts - The Electronic Tracing System (eTrace), utilized by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force since September 2012, has proven quite useful and has led to a number of arrests at home and abroad.
A recent report indicated that eighteen illegal firearms seized by security forces in 2013, have been traced using the database accessed by law enforcement in more than 30 countries outside of the United States. The system helps to determine a... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Primary Cause of Homicide in Trinidad & Tobago
26 January 2014
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
T&T continues to rank in the top ten for homicides per capita around the world. This is according to a source at the United Nations Information Service. The United Nations Information Service has produced reports with statistics on homicides in 207 countries. The categories are: Homicides by most Populous City; by Firearms; by Sex; and Total Homicides in 2013, and is recorded per 100,000 citizens.
Calculations by the Sunday Guardian showed that between 2004 and 2009,... (GunPolicy.org)
Shootings Drop More than 30 Percent in Jamaica, Police Say
15 January 2014
DNAInfo (New York)
QUEENS — The number of shootings in Jamaica fell by nearly 32 percent last year, a decrease that police officials attributed to aggressive efforts to confiscate illegal firearms.
Last year, there were 30 shooting incidents in the 103rd Precinct, which covers Jamaica and Hollis. In 2012, there were 44 shooting incidents in the area, nearly 32 percent more.
"How do we keep people from getting shot? We confiscate illegal guns, whether it be through search warrants,... (GunPolicy.org)
Criminologists, Sociologist: More Guns Not the Answer in Trinidad
12 January 2014
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Seepersad: Broader approach to crime needed
For Dr Randy Seepersad, head of the University of the West Indies' (UWI) criminology department, the 2,500 new guns for police officers is not the answer. In a phone interview yesterday, Seepersad said police officers already have weapons. He was not certain if the minister was bringing in the extra weaponry to correspond with an increase in the police force, but said the Government was taking a suppressive approach to crime.... (GunPolicy.org)
Bahamas Govt Considers Removing Bail for Gun Crimes
31 December 2013
Jamaica Observer
NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas government says it is considering legislation that would impose additional restrictions on the ability of judges to grant bail in offences involving crimes of violence and the use of firearms.
Prime Minister Perry Christie said Cabinet had discussed the crime situation in the country, particularly in light of the weekend drive-by killings of four people in the Fox Hill area.
Christie said the police would escalation "saturation patrols"... (GunPolicy.org)
Trinidad Man Sentenced Over $10 Shooting
18 December 2013
Trinidad and Tobago Express
Jason Braithwaithe who shot a man in his both legs over $10 is expected to be sentenced today for the crime.
Braithwaithe, 35, who had been found guilty of shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Leslie Williams and possession of a gun and ammunition, will face Justice Geoffrey Henderson in the San Fernando First Court.
Williams testified that he was liming with friends at the corner of Phyllis and Stella Streets, La Romaine when Braithwaithe arrived in a... (GunPolicy.org)
Saudi Arabia,Libya,India,Georgia,Egypt,Yemen,Vietnam,Turkey,Syria,Germany,Bahamas
Questions Asked Over Germany's Arms Exports
16 December 2013
Deutsche Welle
For a long time, arms exports to regions in conflict were taboo for the German government. However, the growing number of arms deals with Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia or Qatar, or with Asian countries like India and Indonesia suggests that these could soon become a pillar of German foreign and security policy.
This, at least, is the warning expressed in this year's weapons exports report published in Berlin on Monday (16.12.2013) by the Joint Church and... (GunPolicy.org)
346 Guns Destroyed in Guadeloupe [FR]
13 December 2013
France-Antilles
[Translated summary: 346 firearms were destroyed by authorities in Guadeloupe this week, as part of the 'Drop your weapons' campaign. In addition, 892 more weapons were seized this year and it is hoped this will reduce the risk of crime.]
Cut into small pieces. This is the fate that was booked, Friday noon, 346 firearms recovered over months by the gendarmerie and the police. The massacre at the crocodile shears was held in the new Recovery Company (SNR) in... (GunPolicy.org)
Crime, Deadly Violence in Bahamas at Near 'Epidemic' Levels
11 December 2013
Tribune (Bahamas)
The current level of deadly violence means the Bahamas almost qualifies as an armed conflict zone, a new report reveals.
Measured per 100,000 inhabitants, the murder rate over the last several years was about three times the level constituting an epidemic, roughly equivalent to a conflict zone, and continues to be one of the highest in the region.
The statistics, included in the Inter-American Development Bank country strategy for the Bahamas, also reveal that in... (GunPolicy.org)
Trinidad's Top Cop Says Violent Crimes Down, Guns Used in 70% of Homicides
11 December 2013
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
In 2013 violent crimes have been reduced by 33 per cent, acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said yesterday, giving an update on the Government's mandate to the Police Service to reduce violent crimes by 50 per cent in a three-year period. Attributing this decrease to "hot-spot policing," Williams added: "The hot-spot policing approach is showing by way of confirmation that it is useful.
"What we are seeing is that we have journeyed from January to November... (GunPolicy.org)
Bibles for Guns Program in Dominican Republic Nets 1300 Weapons
10 December 2013
Global Dispatch (Florida)
Dominican Republic officials and evangelicals are asking residents of violent DR neighborhoods to trade in their weapons for a Bible.
Santo Domingo authorities recovered more than 1,300 firearms, knives, and machetes in communities known for corruption and violence, in a guns-for-Bibles program, aimed at reducing the country's crime rate.
Church leaders went into some dangerous neighborhoods to spread the word of God to gangsters and other criminals as part of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Bahamas Police Seize Over 100 Guns in New Tracing Operation
6 December 2013
Bahamas Weekly
NASSAU, Bahamas - An enhanced effort by the RBPF Firearms Tracing and Investigations Unit, aimed at ridding the streets of illegal firearms is paying off.
Officers assigned to the Unit have removed more than 100 illegal weapons off streets across New Providence since its implementation in September 2013.
The recovery of five (5) illegal weapons off the streets of New Providence on Thursday 5th December 2013, was yet another example of the excellent work of the... (GunPolicy.org)
St Lucia Police Seize Military Assault Rifle From Civilian
3 December 2013
What's Up Caribbean (Barbados)
Police in St. Lucia are startled as to how a civilian was able to acquire an SLR assault rifle - given that the weapon is a combat infantry weapon with a large calibre round.
Officers attached to the Richmond and Dennery Police Stations successfully confiscated the rifle along with two bales of compressed marijuana from the hands of a civilian.
The police department made the startling discovery Saturday November 30, 2013 during the execution of a search warrant at a... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Police Upgrade Firearm Ballistic and Tracing Technology
3 December 2013
Jamaica Observer
Commissioner Owen Ellington appears pleased that the police force's forensic capabilities have been upgraded with new equipment and technology, as well as training for staff. Now, he is anxious to have the expertise gained by the constabulary tested in the courts.
"There are some very important cases to come to court soon, and I think there's one in court now which, if we get an opportunity, we can put on display some of the new investigative techniques that we've... (GunPolicy.org)
Puerto Rico Toughens Penalties for Celebratory Shootings
3 December 2013
Latin American Herald Tribune (Venezuela)
SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla on Monday signed two amendments to the island's gun law toughening the penalties for illegal weapons possession and for firing shots into the air, a common cause of accidents especially during the Christmas season.
"Whoever fires a weapon into the air, possesses or carries an illegal weapon, will have to serve jail time without the right to probation or to diversion programs," said Garcia Padilla upon signing the... (GunPolicy.org)
Mexico,Costa Rica,Caribbean,South America,Central America
Costa Rica Looks to Gun Control as Homicides Hit 'Epidemic' Levels in S America
13 November 2013
Tico Times (Costa Rica)
In most of Latin America homicide rates have exceeded 10 per 100,000 inhabitants, a rate that the World Health Organization considers "epidemic," according to a new report released Tuesday by the United Nations Development Program for Latin America.
The report came out one day before police leaders from 27 different countries across the Americas, including the United States, gathered in San José for the American Community of Police's (AMERIPOL) annual meeting to share... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaican Police Operation Nets Record Number of Illegal Guns
2 November 2013
Go Jamaica
The police are reporting that since the launch of Operation Resilience, a total of 295 operations have been carried out, resulting in a record seizure of 77 illegal firearms for the month of October and the arrest of 174 individuals.
This figure represents the highest number of recorded firearm seizures ever in any given month since June 2010 and has further increased illegal gun seizures to 601 for the period January to October 2013. This reflects a 20 per cent... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Republic Raises Gun Licence Costs [ES]
28 October 2013
Etorno Inteligente (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: The cost of applying for a firearms licence in the Dominican Republic has increased to RD$9917.01, to cover the added taxes and ballistics testing required. Authorities are recording information about each owner and their guns, including biometric details, and some gun owners have complained about the cost and time involved. An amnesty is being granted to allow people time to afford the increased costs but critics are worried that more citizens will... (GunPolicy.org)
Cayman Police Stretched by Gun Crime Spike, Homicides
15 October 2013
Cayman News Service
The three murders in Grand Cayman as well as a string of violent robberies in less than a month have stretched resources but Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton said the RCIPS is working hard to continue policing the regular day to day issues as well as dealing with the need to restore peace and normalcy to the community. The senior RCIPS officer said the public could expect to see armed officers overtly patrolling with long firearms and road blocks in a proactive response... (GunPolicy.org)
Drugs for Guns Trade Seen in Barbados
14 October 2013
Stabroek News (Guyana) / Daily Nation (Barbados)
The drugs-for-guns trade has reached Barbados and could be largely responsible for the increased presence and use of firearms here, say police sources.
And intelligence gathered by the Regional Security Systems (RSS), the organization charged with the defence and security of the Eastern Caribbean region, seems to support this.
DAILY NATION investigations have revealed that some of the guns flowing into Barbados were sent by suppliers connected to local dealers in lieu... (GunPolicy.org)
Cayman Islands Fighting Rise of Gangs and Guns
7 October 2013
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
The Cayman Islands can fight a rising tide of violent crime with a combination of the "big stick and the olive branch," according to the man behind one of Jamaica's more successful crime-fighting schemes.
William Shagoury, the keynote speaker at a Crime Prevention Seminar in Grand Cayman last week, said the Cayman Islands needed to deal swiftly and strongly with its gang and gun problems before it escalated any further.
A coordinated community effort involving youth... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Seized During Police Raid in Jamaica
7 October 2013
Jamaica Gleaner
Four illegal guns are off the streets of Montego Bay, St James, and two men are in custody, following a raid in the Green Pond district by the Mount Salem Police yesterday morning.
The raid, which was carried out in Burch Hill, Green Pond, resulted in a Glock 9mm pistol, a Beretta 9mm pistol, an Intra-Tek 9mm pistol and a Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle as well as approximately 84 assorted rounds of ammunition being seized from an occupied house in the area, and the subsequent... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Govt Criticised as Homicide Rate Rises, Illegal Guns Blamed
2 October 2013
Caribbean 360
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has criticised the Portia Simpson Miller administration over its handling of the crime situation in Jamaica as the island recorded yet another increase in murders.
Opposition spokesman on National Security, Delroy Chuck, wants the government to take decisive action to deal with the situation.
"There's no doubt that the past three months have shown that we do not have crime and murders under control... (GunPolicy.org)
Barbados Officials Tracking Suspicious Gun Imports
27 September 2013
Stabroek News (Guyana)
Police investigators were yesterday working with the Customs Department to determine from which country 18 disassembled firearms were shipped into Barbados.
They were also looking for a fourth suspect in connection with Tuesday's weapons discovery at a Christ Church home, which included various calibers of guns and ammunition.
The suspected involvement of a Customs broker and a mechanic among three people held by lawmen has triggered an intelligence operation headed... (GunPolicy.org)
US, Puerto Rico Drug Trafficking Sting Nets Over 170 Guns
27 September 2013
Washington Post / Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Federal agents will start targeting high-level drug traffickers in Puerto Rico with intelligence gathered during a three-month blitz on criminal activity in the U.S. territory, the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday.
The campaign is part of operation "Caribbean Resilience," which began in July 2012 and focuses on the smuggling of drugs, weapons, money and migrants.
The agency says agents have seized some 53,000 pounds (24,000... (GunPolicy.org)
12,793 Murders Make Guns Dom Republic's Main Instrument of Death
17 September 2013
Dominican Today
SANTO DOMINGO - Guns have in the last eight years, an average of 133 people per month, while gunshots account for six of every 10 people who die violently, making firearms Dominican Republic's main instrument of death.
The use of guns significantly increase fatalities, for which sectors favor a general disarmament as a way to cut the violence considered alarming.
The study "the arms race and its effects on violence in Dominican Republic" found that guns account for... (GunPolicy.org)
Trinidad Crime Boss Alleges Cops, Ambulance Involved in Gun Smuggling
12 September 2013
Trinidad and Tobago Express
The police continue to try to rid the streets of illegal firearms. But what happens when they are faced with gangsters bringing in high-tech weapons to perpetuate their life of murder and mayhem?
Can they be stopped? A crime boss along the East West corridor who has been in the business for over 20 years agreed to speak to us about his gun-running operations, why the gang war will never end, crooked cops and other nefarious activities.
MARK BASSANT: So you are a... (GunPolicy.org)
Russia,Trinidad & Tobago,Caribbean,Nicaragua,United States,Canada,Guinea-Bissau,Libya,Mexico,Colombia
Small Arms: The Worldwide Scourge
8 September 2013
Newsday (Trinidad & Tobago)
Trinidad and Tobago is awash with guns. Gang leaders, bandits, drug smugglers are armed and shooting at each other, at citizens, at the police without hesitation. The majority of the weapons are small arms and they are usually "imported" with illegal drugs or there is an exchange of drugs for arms. Drug cartels use their illicit profits to purchase these guns, the two trades being intertwined, according to the latest report from the United Nations Office for Disarmament... (GunPolicy.org)
Push to Rid Jamaica Police Stations of Illegal Guns Stalls
18 August 2013
Gleaner (Jamaica)
The national security minister's push to eliminate the potentially dangerous practice of stockpiling seized guns at police stations has jammed.
The Sunday Gleaner has learnt that an islandwide audit, which is the first phase of moving the guns out of the stations, has stalled, leaving dozens of weapons close to the hands of cops, who have long been accused of planting illegal weapons to make cases against suspects.
In 2012, National Security Minister Peter Bunting... (GunPolicy.org)
Death of Child Puts Focus on Celebratory Gunfire in US
11 August 2013
Washington Post
MIDLOTHIAN, Virginia — When a stray bullet pierced the top of Brendon Mackey's head, the 7-year-old was on his way to a July Fourth fireworks celebration with his dad and other family members. He died the next day in a Richmond hospital, a bullet lodged at the base of his skull, sparking a methodical, door-to-door search for a most elusive killer: celebratory gunfire.
Police believe someone fired a shot into the air within a 5,200-foot radius of Brendon. Witnesses... (GunPolicy.org)
South America,United States,Mexico,Central America,Caribbean,Brazil
Lax US Gun Laws Blamed for Worsening Latin American Violence
31 July 2013
Los Angeles Times
Lax U.S. gun regulations are enabling the international trafficking of high-powered weapons and fueling the spread of gun violence in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Council on Foreign Relations argues in a report urging President Obama to take action on initiatives that have foundered in Congress.
More than 70% of the 99,000 weapons recovered by Mexican law enforcement since 2007 were traced to U.S. manufacturers and importers, the council report said, citing... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica Police Hunt for Crime Guns Stolen from Licensed Owners
30 July 2013
Jamaica Gleaner
A military-police team was spurred into action in beleaguered communities in Annotto Bay, St Mary, after two licensed weapons reportedly owned by Robert Montague, who is chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party, were among four weapons being stored in a chest that fell into the wrong hands last week.
The four weapons - three shotguns and one revolver - were being stored in a chest that was stolen from a house that was burgled in the area, only days after Annotto Bay was... (GunPolicy.org)
Caribbean Needs to Stem Illegal Trade in Small Arms
23 July 2013
Cayman News Service
The Caribbean's ambassador to the United Nations has said the region needs to address the small arms trade which is causing intense violence in its communities. Speaking at the seventh general meeting of CARICOM and the UN in New York Monday, Irwin Larocque, CARICOM's Secretary-General said citizen security was of paramount concern as the "dimensions of the scourge of crime" increased and the region was plagued by the illegal trade in small arms. The Caribbean is a... (GunPolicy.org)
CARICOM Countries Take Steps to Share Gun Tracing Information
10 July 2013
Bahamas Weekly
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago - CARICOM Member States have taken the next step in enabling the newly-created Regional Integrated Ballistic Information Network (RIBIN) Board to begin its work by electing representatives to serve on the RIBIN Board pursuant to a decision of the 5th Meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE). The Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory Jamaica, Dr. Judith Mowatt, was... (GunPolicy.org)
Three Shot Dead in Jamaica Daylight Gunfight
25 June 2013
Stabroek News (Guyana) / Gleaner (Jamaica)
The sounds of violence pierced the morning sky in the volatile area around Pechon Street in the heart of the commercial district of downtown Kingston yesterday, leaving three dead, after five persons were shot.
Among the victims were two women and a policeman.
The two civilian men – Oshane Bentley, 23; and Jason Watt, 22; were fatally shot at the scene, while a woman identified as Sonya Daley died at hospital. The injured woman has been identified as Gwendolyn... (GunPolicy.org)
Opinion: Jamaica Police Commissioner Right to Target Guns, Gangs
9 June 2013
Gleaner (Jamaica), Opinion
"Security must be the first law of the [State]; otherwise, the other laws will not operate effectively." Though not original to him, these are wise words coming through Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington, MA.
Commissioner Ellington must be warmly commended for his contribution to the Sunday Observer last week, 'Dealing effectively with guns and drugs for improved public safety'. Public servants, cowering behind laws protecting state secrets and the tradition of... (GunPolicy.org)
St Kitts Gets UN Help, Training to Destroy Almost 400 Seized Weapons
6 June 2013
ZIZ Radio (St Kitts)
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - From 27 to 31 May 2013, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) supported the destruction of close to 400 seized and obsolete weapons and 0.67 tonnes of small arms ammunition and time-expired CS gas in Basseterre. All weapons and ammunition destroyed were documented in accordance with international standards and UNLIREC's standard operating procedures. UNLIREC also... (GunPolicy.org)
UN Assists Dominican Republic in the Destruction of more than 30,000 Firearms
1 June 2013
UNLIREC Newsletter N°12, April-June 2013
A series of destruction initiatives in the Dominican Republic resulted in over 30,000 firearms and 30 tonnes of ammunition being destroyed in a collaborative effort between UNLIREC and the Ministry of the Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic. These achievements demonstrate the success in the implementation of a national action plan for stockpile management and firearms and ammunition destruction - jointly developed by UNLIREC and the Ministry of Armed Forces in 2010 -... (GunPolicy.org)
Jamaica,Barbados,Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
Barbados Authorities Trace, Destroy Guns in Fight Against Crime
31 May 2013
Barbados Advocate
This island's top cop has revealed steps are being taken – not only on the local front, but regionally – to arrest the problem of gun crimes.
Speaking during the hand-over of a hydraulic shears at the Central Police Station from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), Commissioner Darwin Dottin noted that there were countries in this region where more than 80 per cent of all homicides... (GunPolicy.org)
Caribbean,Barbados,Canada,Trinidad & Tobago,Jamaica
Barbados Authorities Tracing, Destroying Guns to Reduce Crime
31 May 2013
Barbados Advocate
This island's top cop has revealed steps are being taken – not only on the local front, but regionally – to arrest the problem of gun crimes.
Speaking during the hand-over of a hydraulic shears at the Central Police Station from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), Commissioner Darwin Dottin noted that there were countries in this region where more than 80 per cent of all homicides... (GunPolicy.org)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
South Africa,Haiti,South Sudan,Sierra Leone,Liberia,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Oceania,Southern Africa,Central America,East Asia,Southern Europe,Western Europe,North Africa,East Africa,South Asia,South America
Some 437,000 People Murdered Worldwide in 2012 - UNODC Study
10 April 2013
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Media release
VIENNA - Almost half a million people (437,000) across the world lost their lives in 2012 as a result of intentional homicide, according to a new study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Launching the Global Study on Homicide 2013 in London today, Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, said: "Too many lives are being tragically cut short, too many families and communities left shattered. There is an urgent need to... (GunPolicy.org)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Over 700 Guns Destroyed in Dominican Republic [ES]
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)
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)
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)
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)
Guns Used in 80 per cent 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
United States,El Salvador,Brazil,Philippines,Jamaica,South Africa,Swaziland,Guatemala,Panama,Mexico,Colombia,Honduras
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 where gangs and drugs are a problem top the list, even where there is strict gun... (GunPolicy.org)
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)
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)
Antigua & Barbuda,United States
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
United States,Americas,Dominican Republic
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)
Call for Higher Gun Taxes in Dominican Republic [ES]
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
United States,Canada,Mexico,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)
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)
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)
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)
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 ammunition... (GunPolicy.org)
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)
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)
2 Haitians Charged of Gun Smuggling from US into Haiti [FR]
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)
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)
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)
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)
Puerto Rico Police Support to Citizens Using Guns for Defence Raises Concern [ES]
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)
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)
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)
Dominican Republic Calls for Disarmament of Illegally Carried Guns [ES]
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
15 March 2012
International Action Network on Small Arms / IANSA
A gun amnesty in Puerto Rico has removed more than 400 firearms and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition from circulation since it began in February 2012. The amnesty is overseen by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in cooperation with local government and religious centres across the country.
Over 35 churches have received training in how to handle surrendered weapons and have been certified as gun collection points. Henry Neumann, of the Ministry, said the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: International Action Network on Small Arms / IANSA
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)
Venezuela,South America,Honduras,El Salvador,Jamaica
Most Gun Homicide Victims in Venezuela Males 15-24 Years Old [ES]
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)
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)
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)
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)