The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is initiating a decisive seven-day firearms amnesty program commencing next Monday, positioning it as a conclusive opportunity for citizens to voluntarily relinquish illegal weapons and ammunition before authorities escalate enforcement measures. This strategic initiative forms a critical component of the nation’s intensified ‘zero tolerance’ policy against firearm-related criminal activities.
Police authorities have established two distinct operational windows for the surrender process: January 19-23 followed by January 26-28, with designated hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Participants must proactively contact their local police station to declare their intention to surrender firearms prior to arrival.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas outlined rigorous safety protocols requiring all firearms to be completely unloaded—with no ammunition in chambers or magazines—and securely transported in appropriate carriers. Individuals are instructed to proceed directly to police stations without intermediate stops.
The administration emphasizes that this amnesty constitutes neither immunity nor financial compensation program. Defreitas explicitly clarified that the initiative does not function as a ‘get out of jail free’ mechanism, warning that individuals discovered with illegal weapons during routine police operations will still face immediate arrest and prosecution.
All surrendered firearms will undergo comprehensive forensic examination through ballistic testing. Weapons identified as connected to previous criminal activities may still lead to subsequent legal actions against those surrendering them. The program’s fundamental objective remains enhancing public safety rather than providing financial incentives, with Defreitas reiterating that no monetary compensation will be offered for surrendered weapons.