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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 – In a bid to reduce the number of illegal
fire arms in the country, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony has
categorically stated that Parliament would enact legislation to substantially
increase prison terms and fines for persons convicted on gun charges.
“In 2003 Parliament enacted a new firearms act that makes provisions relating to
the carrying and the use of firearms and ammunition. Despite the fact that
parliament increased the fines for possession of illegal fire arms, I believe
that parliament was too soft,” Dr. Anthony said.
Prime Minister Anthony, who was at the time addressing the official opening
ceremony of the Vieux Fort Police Station and Divisional Headquarters on Friday,
September 24th, 2004, also announced an increase in the reward for persons who
assist the police to retrieve an illegal firearm from $1,500.00 to $2,500.00.
In expressing the firm view that the full weight of the law must be brought to
bear, in order to send a decisive message to those elements who disregard the
law, Dr. Anthony pointed out that “a person, who is in possession or control of
a restricted fire arm is liable on summary conviction, to a fine of not less
than five years. I want that to go up to twenty thousand dollars and ten years.
On conviction, indictment, imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years, I
want to see that go up to twenty years”. Referring to the current fines, he
said, “These sentences are too light, especially in the hands of pliable
judicial officers.”
Related Links:
Statement by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony at the formal
opening of the Southern Police Headquarters
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