Gun amnesty
Published:Friday | June 4, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR , Sir:
NOW THAT it appears to be the beginning of the end of garrisons by virtue of the recent law- enforcement actions, it might be worth considering an amnesty for illegal guns.
The recent experience at Tivoli Gardens demonstrates that the law-enforcement personnel are at great risk because of the weapons in the hands of crime-leaning people. This is an undesirable risk for the police, army and civilians because of the inevitable shoot-outs that result. The less weapons in the hands of outlaws, the less likely the occurrences of shoot-outs and loss of innocent lives. A gun amnesty would considerably lower that risk.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding should be reminded that it was Sir Alexander Bustamante who said in 1935: "The life of a police is not a bed of roses. Why mix it with prickles? Why not do something for them so that they can love and respect you for your action?"
With 17 more garrisons on the list of things to do, the loss of innocent lives must be a priority.
A gun amnesty would be a golden chance for a fresh start to those who possess illegal guns and a last chance before the new package of laws come into force. Thereafter, it must be full speed ahead, as Bustamante said in 1974: "Crime must be dealt with firmly. With the firmest measures."
Bruce, this may be a golden opportunity. Are you up to the challenge while you are PM?
I am, etc.,
Norman Lee