The month long gun amnesty in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) saw no weapons handed in announced Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force, Colin Farquhar, today, Friday, 5 July 2013.
The amnesty ran throughout the month of June and intended to recover as many unregistered and unwanted guns as possible and to stop them reaching the wrong hands: weapons that have been handed down in families, or which were not properly registered in some other way.
The amnesty had the support of the TCI Governor, Premier, Deputy Premier, as well as religious and civil leaders across the Territory.
“Everyone involved is clearly disappointed that no weapons were handed in during this amnesty,” said Commissioner Farquhar. “We believe that guns are unnecessary for civilians in this country and we will be taking steps to make having a gun even more exceptional than it is now.
“We will continue to monitor intelligence reports about weapons and will undertake raids designed to capture and remove these weapons as and when required. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of the people who live in the TCI and our hundreds of thousands of visitors each year through a number of ongoing control measures.”
Farquhar continues to encourage businesses to use the services of security firms to move cash or to become cashless by encouraging credit and debit card use.
Sadly and ironically, on the final day of the Amnesty, two persons in the Turks & Caicos sustained injuries during the commission of a gun-related crime. Thankfully, both persons are expected to make full recoveries.
Commissioner Farquhar thanked the Governor, Premier, Deputy Premier, Youth Director Angela Musgrove, families, church leaders, media, and other persons of influence who helped support this initiative. Further, Commissioner Farquhar acknowledged the press conference held by Pastors Pedro S. Williams, Bradley Handfield, Solomen Morency and Daniel Calcaño who joined forces to get the message out. He stated, “Each of you is a great example of the moral commitment that is needed.”
Commissioner Farquhar was proud of Mr. Dekkel Simmons and Miss Phildreka Mayham, the TCI Youth Ambassadors, who also participated. Commissioner Farquhar stated, “These two young people demonstrated their willingness to help their community and they proved to be positive role models for other youth to follow”.
