#Kingston, June 12, 2018 – Jamaica – Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the Government will intensify strategies geared towards combating the illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition into the country and to protect the lives of Jamaicans.

“We are moving with concerted effort to enhance legislative provisions to reduce arms trafficking, disarm criminal networks and increase penalties for the illegal use and possession of firearms,” he said.

Dr. Chang, who was making his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 12), informed that the amendments to the Firearms Act, which were recently approved by Cabinet, would be tabled in Parliament this legislative year.  The amendments include increased and updated fines as well as custodial sentences for offences committed.

Dr. Chang said the legislative changes will bolster control over small arms and will include import, transit, and brokering activities to prevent illicit manufacture and trafficking, or the diversion of weapons to unauthorized recipients.  The National Security Minister told the House that the Government will continue working hard to address public order and citizen security for the people of Jamaica.

“This Administration has embarked on several strategies [and] these include operational strategies and institutional changes, policy enhancement and legislative amendments to improve the regulatory frameworks,” he said.

Release: JIS