Gun Amnesty legislation scheduled for Lower House Debate on 26 March

by Linda Straker

• Grenada “firearm” means a lethal barrelled weapon of any description
• 90-day gun amnesty to be discussed and debated at 26 March sitting of Lower House
• 19 illegal firearms confiscated in July 2023 of which 2 were involved in homicide incidents

The Grenada Government will be seeking the approval of Members in both Houses of Parliament to allow a gun amnesty as part of a strategy to reduce the potential of violent crimes and firearms-related incidents.

Scheduled to be discussed and debated at the 26 March sitting of the Lower House, the explanatory note to the Bill said Government believes that the power to declare a firearms amnesty is one of the approaches which may help to achieve the stated objectives.

In March 2023, the RGPF publicly disclosed the number of illegal firearms confiscated by law enforcement officers in the last 3 years would be a breach of national security and safety. This was in response to an inquiry submitted to the commissioner.

However, a July 2023 news conference noted the number of illegal firearms confiscated in July 2023 was 19, of which 2 were involved in homicide incidents. Between January and March 2024, police have confiscated several firearms in raids.

“The Government intends to lessen the potential for the commission of violent crimes and firearms-related incidents by reducing the number of firearms and ammunition circulating illegally in the state. In furtherance of this objective, the Government believes that the power to declare a firearms amnesty is one of the approaches which may help to achieve the stated objectives,” said the explanatory notes to the legislation.

Once approved, the amendment to the legislation will see a new section that will empower the minister to declare a firearms amnesty in Grenada or any part thereof, by order subject to affirmative resolution.

“During the amnesty period, a person who is in unlawful possession of firearms or ammunition may surrender the same in such manner as may be specified and no proceedings shall be taken against the person in respect of his or her unlawful possession of said firearm or ammunition,” the explanatory notes assure.

The Government believes that the firearms amnesty may result in a reduction in the number of illegally possessed firearms or ammunition in Grenada. In a recent news conference, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said the amnesty will be for a period of 90 days.

He explained that the amnesty would create an opportunity to hand in firearms without being prosecuted. “In order to do so we must amend the legislation so we are taking the necessary steps to get the policy approved and to have the legislation read and supported in parliament so that the amnesty can be granted.”

In Grenada “firearm” means a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged and includes a prohibited weapon and a restricted weapon, whether a lethal barrelled weapon or not.

Under the 1968 Firearms Act, any individual who on summary conviction is found guilty of illegal possession will be subjected to a fine of not less than $4,000 and not more than $20,000 and to imprisonment for not less than 2 and not more than 5 years.

However, if it’s a conviction on an indictable charge, it will be a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $60,000 and imprisonment for not less than 5 and not more than 20 years.