THE CARIBBEAN

PM HOLNESS: POVERTY IS NO EXCUSE FOR GUN CRIMES

PM HOLNESS: POVERTY IS NO EXCUSE FOR GUN CRIMES
Spread the love

Avellon Williams 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, – Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said poverty is no excuse to have an illegal gun and use it to commit crimes.

/Image, HP/

Observing that it is the poor and vulnerable who are most affected by these crimes, Holness said it is not an excuse for youth “who claim that [because they are from] poor households and low-income families without opportunities, that the only way out is to get a gun”.

On Friday, the prime minister told the public that the government of Jamaica is aware of the challenging social circumstances and is “working to address both sides of the equation” at the handover of an apartment complex as part of its social housing initiative, at Fourth Street, Belrock in Kingston.

/Image, TG/

The social circumstances are being addressed, and the criminal and violent elements in our society are being dealt with harshly, he said. In addition, the government intends to enact a gun amnesty once the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction, and Regulation) Act becomes effective.

This legislation, among other things, imposes harsher penalties on those who trade, manufacture, stockpile, possess, or use illegal guns.

/Image, LJ/

The Senate passed the bill with 17 amendments on Friday, September 23, and it will now go to the House of Representatives for approval. In the event it is assented to by the governor-general, it will become law.

As a result of the amnesty, illegal firearms and ammunition can be surrendered to the State without prosecution.

The amnesty provisions allow you to turn in your illegal firearms for a short time, but if you are caught after that period has expired, you could face up to life in prison, said the prime minister.

PM Andrew Holness /Image, CC/

“I want to again reinforce the point to those who believe that they have power because they have a gun… we are coming to disarm you. I am urging you… make the right choice,” PM Holness said.

About Author

Avellon Williams

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *