The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) will roll out a seven-day gun amnesty programme this week, offering what officials have described as a final opportunity for individuals to surrender illegal firearms and ammunition before law enforcement intensifies its crackdown on gun-related offences.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas said the amnesty will run from January 19 to January 23, before resuming from January 26 to January 28. During the designated periods, firearms and ammunition may be surrendered between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. at police stations across the island.
Defreitas said the initiative forms part of a broader push toward a “zero tolerance” approach to illegal guns, as authorities seek to curb gun violence and improve public safety. He urged anyone in possession of illegal firearms or ammunition to take advantage of the amnesty window.
Individuals wishing to surrender weapons are required to contact their nearest police station in advance to notify officers of their intention. Defreitas outlined strict safety protocols, noting that all firearms must be unloaded, with no ammunition in the chamber or magazines, and securely placed in a carrier. Persons are also advised to travel directly to the police station without making any stops.
However, police have cautioned that the amnesty does not grant immunity from the law. Defreitas stressed that it is not a “get out of jail free” period, warning that anyone found in possession of illegal firearms or ammunition during police operations will still be arrested and prosecuted.
He also noted that all surrendered weapons will undergo forensic examination, including ballistic testing. “Any firearm surrendered will be subject to ballistic testing and should it be found that it is aligned in any way to the commission of any past offence, persons will be made to answer,” Defreitas said.
The Assistant Commissioner further emphasized that the programme is not a “cash for gun” initiative. “We will not be paying for the surrender of firearms,” he said, reiterating that the sole focus of the amnesty is public safety rather than financial incentive.
Police say enforcement operations will be intensified following the conclusion of the amnesty period, as authorities move to remove illegal firearms from communities across Saint Lucia.
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