🔫 National gun amnesty in Cayman Islands extended

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has extended the National Gun Amnesty, originally set to end on 31 July, until 11 August. The amnesty allows individuals to surrender illegal firearms, gun components, and ammunition without facing prosecution. In the first three weeks of the program, only two firearms were handed in, but a significant amount of ammunition and two unlicensed spearguns were also surrendered. The extension is due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl. 🌀

Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks urged community members to take advantage of the amnesty and help reduce the number of illegal firearms in the community. He stated that at least 90 illegal guns still pose a threat to the community. The RCIPS has arranged multiple methods for individuals to surrender firearms or provide information about their location. These include drop-off points at police stations, trusted third parties such as pastors and community leaders, and anonymous tips through Cayman Crime Stoppers. 🚔

The RCIPS is hopeful that the extension of the amnesty will encourage more individuals to surrender illegal firearms and contribute to making the Cayman Islands safer. Community leaders, including the Cayman Ministers Association and elected members, have agreed to assist in the process, providing points of contact for those wishing to hand in a gun without direct contact with the police. 🏝️