For the first time it will be possible in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba to hand in illegal (fire)arms and ammunition. In principle, this handing-in drive has no consequences for the possessor of the (fire)arm, unless later on it is evidenced by investigation that such weapon was involved in any crime. Then an investigation will be duly made, however. All other (fire)arms will be destroyed by order of the Public Prosecutor.
Also other weapons – which are not barred from being kept on hand – but which one still wants to get rid of, can be handed in without any legal consequences.
On the dates below – between 13.00 and 20.00 hours – weapons and ammunition can be handed in:
|
Datum |
Eiland |
Adres |
|
November 6 |
Bonaire |
Location Koninklijke Marechaussee Kaya Gilberto F. Croes 24 (opposite the stadium), Kralendijk |
|
November 7 |
Bonaire |
Location sub-office Executive Council in Rincon. Kaya Arcangel (Minguel) Pourier 73 |
|
November 11 |
Saba |
Location Saba police station, Windwardside |
|
November 13 |
St. Eustatius |
Location Sint Eustatius police station, Oranjestad |
Naturally, during these drive days it will also be possible to ask questions and to have weapons checked of which one is not sure whether they are illegal or not.
OBJECT
The object of this drive is:
– to reduce the amount of illegal weapons and ammunition in circulation and, doing so, increase integral safety in the BES islands,
– to inform citizens of applicable rules.
NEW FIREARMS POLICY
On January 1, 2014 a new integral firearms policy will be introduced. The citizen will be informed of this later this year.
PROHIBITION
In pursuance of the BES Firearms Act, it is prohibited to have on hand / to possess prohibited firearms and ammunition. Having on hand does not imply that one should have a firearm literally within reach. Also keeping a firearm at home is prohibited and, consequently, punishable.
In exceptional cases, the Island Governor may grant a person authorization to have a firearm on hand.
OTHER WEAPONS
In pursuance of the BES Firearms Act, it is also prohibited to have certain objects on the public road or in any place accessible to the public. The following objects are involved:
· Rifles, air/ gas weapons (weapons with which projectiles can be fired by means of compressed air or gas), daggers, sheath-knives, bayonets, poniards, swords, sabres, bodkins, truncheons, rubber coshes, bulls’ pizzles, blackjacks, knuckle-dusters, lances, spears, pointed sticks, arrows;
· Other objects that have obviously been made to be used as a weapon. This should appear from the circumstance or the manner in which they are worn or used. Think, e.g., of someone who moves around with a baseball bat or a kitchen-knife.
The police hope to get a large amount of weapons off the street by means of these hand-in days.
In pursuance of the BES Firearms Act, it is also prohibited to have certain objects on the public road or in any place accessible to the public.
On January 1, 2014 a new integral firearms policy will be introduced. The citizen will be informed of this later this year. In pursuance of the BES Firearms Act, it is prohibited to have on hand / to possess prohibited firearms and ammunition. Having on hand does not imply that one should have a firearm literally within reach. Also keeping a firearm at home is prohibited and, consequently, punishable. In pursuance of the BES Firearms Act, it is also prohibited to have certain objects on the public road or in any place accessible to the public.