St. John's 31°C Mostly clear

Antigua News
Live
Top News Antigua and Barbuda

One Firearm Surrendered on First Day of Government’s Gun Amnesty Program

By

Published

The government’s national gun amnesty program, launched on April 7, has resulted in a single firearm being surrendered so far.

This initiative is designed to improve public safety by removing illegal weapons and ammunition from circulation in Antigua and Barbuda.

In an interview with Observer media, Attorney General and Minister for Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin shared the reasoning behind the program.

He mentioned that law enforcement authorities had recommended the need for an additional gun amnesty due to concerns over the number of firearms in the community.

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

Expressing optimism about the program’s initial phase, he noted that one firearm was turned in on the very first day of the amnesty.

This program allows individuals with unlicensed firearms to hand them over to the authorities without facing any legal consequences. Officials are hopeful that more guns will be surrendered in the days ahead.

Editorial Staff

About the author

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (11)

  • Juju Bee April 13, 2025, 2:30 PM

    Hopefully more people come forward before the end of the program on the 30th

  • Luka Johnson April 13, 2025, 12:45 PM

    I’m sure they made up that news to see if anyone would be encouraged to hand in their weapons, but I’m sure no one will go.

  • Anonymous April 12, 2025, 4:52 PM

    Is there a hotline or a drop box or something? People might not want to walk in and be seen surrendering a firearm. Asking for a friend by the way.

  • food4thought April 12, 2025, 4:50 PM

    So… crime solved now? that’s what they want us to believe? chupzz

  • Rhea April 12, 2025, 4:49 PM

    One gun off the streets could save a life. That’s a start, these programs take time. Let’s not discourage progress just because it’s slow.

  • DeAvatar April 12, 2025, 4:36 PM

    Last amnesty two we collected. So far one. Those were three brave moves. People don’t trust the police. No surprise here.

  • Antigua Surf April 12, 2025, 2:18 PM

    Taking guns that are going to end back up on the streets because of these police y’all have. But oop i’m not talking to much….

  • Unruly One April 12, 2025, 12:59 PM

    Well. I don’t know what to say. I guess this is just a bad criminal. He is not good at it. But nevertheless, I commend him for his compliance

  • Progess April 12, 2025, 9:39 AM

    Good start. Last amnesty only two were collected. We making progress

  • Teacher for Life April 12, 2025, 8:03 AM

    My question is…where are these guns coming from in the first place?

  • Starlight April 12, 2025, 7:41 AM

    So they say …..

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section

By clicking "Accept", you consent to our website's use of cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Cookie Settings

Privacy Summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful.

More information in Privacy Policy