Statistical evidence and data from other open sources have clearly supported the fact that too many residents and visitors in the Turks and Caicos Islands have over the years suffered as victims of violent crimes where firearms were used during the commission of these horrific acts against humanity. This unfortunate steady proliferation of illegal firearms and firearm-related crimes in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is a major concern to all law-abiding citizens and visitors to our shores.
The propagation of illegal firearms has the potential to destabilize the TCI economy should this continue; while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have had some measure of success in recovering some of these weapons, it is evident that a number of weapons are still in the possession of individuals illegally and in some cases, they are ending up in the hands of persons that are willing to use them to commit serious crimes.
We must agree that there are far too many illegal firearms readily available within our communities. As members of this society, we all have a responsibility to do something about it by encouraging persons holding unregistered firearms to do the right thing and surrender these weapons to the Police.
We do realize that there may be firearms and ammunition in some households where the owner of the weapon no longer resides in the Islands, but because the firearm(s) were held illegally the current occupants of the house or relatives do not know how to dispose of the firearm or ammunition appropriately.
I wish to let these persons know it is a danger to the entire community to keep firearms and ammunition illegally in any home or business. These weapons can be discovered by a burglar. Thus, you have in effect armed a criminal, or the weapon can fall into the hands of children or young persons, who in their immaturity can injure or kill themselves or others.
As acting Commissioner of Police I am pleased to announce that in partnership with Her Excellency the Acting Governor, The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, pastors, and other stakeholders across the Turks and Caicos Islands a firearm and ammunition amnesty will commence from Tuesday 1st March to Thursday 31st March 2022.
Venue: Police Headquarters on Airport Road
All residents or visitors with an unregistered firearm and or ammunition are encouraged to surrender them to the Police during the amnesty. In return, you will not be prosecuted for possession of these illegal weapons during the amnesty period.
You can also qualify to claim a voucher value up to $500 for firearms surrendered. You have an opportunity to help remove illegal guns from our communities. Let’s together build safer communities across the TCI. Please embrace this opportunity as we work together to reduce the number of illegal firearms in our communities. We all have a duty to play our part.