The arrest of four suspects and confiscation of two guns (see related story) will no doubt be welcomed by a majority of the population. The proliferation of illegal firearms is a big concern on the island.
This time the detainees were all from the French side, but crime obviously doesn’t stop at the open border. The Glock 26 pistols found in their possession are in any case dangerous weapons.
A campaign was recently held throughout the Dutch Caribbean offering amnesty to non-licensed gun owners who surrendered these for financial compensation. Though well-meant, as usual the response remained limited, simply because most people holding illegal weapons don’t have good intentions to begin with.
But perhaps more important is what followed. Authorities are now paying significant amounts for tips that led to the seizure of illegal firearms.
This can be done entirely anonymously where the police don’t even have the phone numbers of those involved, who just receive a code. It’s only after news of a successful recovery of the reported guns is released that they can claim their reward.
It must be said, the police have been taking quite a few guns out of circulation lately. The public may never know how many of these regarded tips, but every single one left on the streets is one too many.
Keeping St. Maarten a safe place is in the general interest of the country and its tourism economy. While law enforcement agencies no doubt try their best, they need your help.
