Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang on Tuesday (November 1) announced a 14-day gun amnesty as the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act 2022 comes into effect.

The amnesty order will allow holders of illegal or unauthorised firearms or ammunition an opportunity to surrender them to the state without fear of persecution.

According to the amnesty order, outlined by Chang in the House of Representatives: “During the amnesty period, [persons] shall not be charged with any offence relating to illegal possession, custody, or control of that firearm or ammunition.”

The amnesty begins on November 5 and ends on November 19.

Chang added that firearm amnesties are not unique to Jamaica and have been successful around the world in reducing the levels of armed violence.

For the past 25 years, Jamaica has recorded on average 1,270 murders annually, with the vast majority being committed with illegal firearms.

“I am urging those possessing illegal firearms or ammunition to make full use of the amnesty, because when it expires on November 19, 2022, those who refuse to surrender their firearms and ammunition, once convicted, will face stiff penalties,” said Chang.

During the monthly press briefing on Tuesday, Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson revealed that 652 weapons have been seized since 2022, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year -a 40 per cent increase in seized rifles and a 10 per cent increase in pistols.