Law enforcement management in Saint Lucia has announced a plan for gun amnesty in 2026, as a proactive measure to eradicate the use of illegal firearms in the country.
This initiative presents a crucial opportunity for individuals to surrender their weapons without facing prosecution. However, Police Commissioner Verne Garde emphasized it is imperative that firearm legislation is reviewed and strengthened ahead of this implementation for maximum effectiveness.
The Commissioner has described this initiative as a “soft approach,” which will be immediately succeeded by aggressive and targeted law enforcement operations aimed at removing any remaining illegal firearms from the streets.
“Regardless of the amnesty, we will adopt an aggressive stance to clear the streets of illegal firearms and ammunition in Saint Lucia,” asserted COP Garde.
“During the amnesty, we will still carry out several aggressive operations against those who refuse to fall within that window,” he stated.
He further emphasized, “After the amnesty, we will intensify our efforts. We will scrutinize individuals based on their intentions for possessing firearms.”
Following the amnesty, targeted enforcement operations will commence to curtail ongoing illegal possession. This strategy reflects a determined commitment to enhancing public safety through a robust combination of incentives and law enforcement actions.
According to RSLPF officials, the gun amnesty initiative, which begins next week, provides a final chance for individuals to surrender illegal weapons without prosecution.
Garde confirmed that the amnesty serves as the final opportunity for voluntary compliance before law enforcement shifts to a more hard-line strategy. The primary goal remains the total eradication of illegal firearms to ensure public safety.
This dual strategy is an essential component of a broader national security plan. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ronald Phillip outlined another critical aspect of the strategy: incentives designed to encourage public cooperation.
“We have established mechanisms to provide rewards to individuals who assist us in recovering illegal firearms,” he stated. “This facility will be actively utilized during the amnesty period.”
COP Garde underscored the urgency of this initiative by referencing the substantial number of illegal firearms recovered through police operations.
“In 2025, we seized approximately 114 firearms of various calibers, including sub-machine guns. Additionally, we recovered 9,098 lethal rounds of ammunition, the highest number recorded in Saint Lucia’s history,” he explained. “This alarming trend must be addressed.”
The ultimate objective is to forge a safer future for the Saint Lucian public, particularly in light of the country recording 70 homicides last year, with the majority involving illegal firearms.
In this context, a comprehensive firearm-law update will address critical issues, such as:
– Tightening licensing requirements: Implement stricter background checks, define clearer eligibility criteria, adjust license validity periods, and mandate renewals.
– Expanded categories of prohibited firearms or accessories : Redefine what constitutes an “assault weapon,” impose stricter restrictions on high-capacity magazines, suppressors, and rapid-fire devices.
– Enhanced surrender, verification, and tracing : Establish new procedures for surrendering firearms during amnesties, enforce mandatory reporting of lost or stolen guns, and ensure stricter chain-of-custody for recovered weapons.
– Penalties and enforcement : Impose higher fines and longer prison terms for illegal possession or trafficking, along with enhanced penalties for firearms used in crimes.
– Storage and transport rules : Enforce mandatory secure storage standards, implement transport permits, and require proof of safe handling.
– Registration and public safety duties : Mandate centralized registry requirements, impose mandatory safety training, and require periodic re-certification.