The seizure of two firearms and related arrests (see Tuesday newspaper) were most welcome. The more illegal weapons can be taken out of circulation, the better. These suspects would probably not have made use of the recently announced Dutch Caribbean amnesty initiative.
The Police Force of St. Maarten, KPSM is yet to release promised details of its version, including timeframe, drop-off locations and procedures, but Curaçao’s own will be launched on Monday, March 16. Called "Entregá bo arma i skapa un alma" (Turn in your weapon and save a soul"), it allows people to hand over unlicensed firearms with no penalty or prosecution.
All those surrendering their guns are asked to securely package them so they cannot be used or activated immediately. Depending on the type of firearm and its functionality, the person involved will receive between 300 and 750 Caribbean guilders as an incentive.
To get the cash, they must identify themselves and sign a receipt for the amount. Ammunition and defective weapons may also be surrendered, as possession of these without a permit is also punishable.
The question is justified as to how effective such campaigns are. During the previous major action on Curaçao in 2014, "Entregá i desarmá Kòrsou" over 400 firearms were collected.
It must be said, the results of St. Maarten’s “Stop, Drop and GO” effort have been notably less impressive. Nevertheless, it seems worthwhile because every gun that ends up on local streets is simply one too many.
