Jamaican law enforcement agencies have launched a coordinated campaign to combat the dangerous tradition of celebratory gunfire during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) jointly announced stringent measures targeting individuals who engage in the illegal practice of firing weapons into the air.
In official statements released Wednesday, both organizations emphasized that discharging firearms celebratory constitutes a severe violation of Jamaica’s Firearms Act. The FLA specified that licensed firearm holders participating in such activities will face immediate revocation of their licenses, permanent disqualification from future firearm ownership, and potential criminal prosecution.
The legal consequences for offenders are substantial, with penalties reaching up to three years imprisonment or fines exceeding $3 million Jamaican dollars. Authorities highlighted the grave public safety risks associated with falling bullets, which have historically caused injuries, property damage, and fatalities during holiday celebrations.
Police representatives reinforced their zero-tolerance stance, vowing to prosecute all individuals involved in or facilitating celebratory gun salutes to the fullest extent of the law. The JCF emphasized that ballistic evidence collected from crime scenes will be used to trace weapons back to their owners, regardless of whether injuries occurred.
Both agencies have established multiple reporting channels, urging citizens to immediately contact the 119 emergency number or their nearest police station to report incidents of illegal gunfire. The FLA additionally reminded licensed firearm owners of their continuous legal responsibility for proper weapon storage and usage throughout the holiday period.