Prime Minister Andrew Holness is warning criminals that they’ll face the full force of the law with the new Firearms Act.
The amended law, with increased penalties, is expected to get the stamp of approval in the Upper House on Friday.
Prime Minister Holness says shortly after the law will take effect.
He was speaking Wednesday during a passing-out parade of more than 300 police constables, at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine.
Robian Williams has the story.
Prime Minister Holness defended the decision to implement a gun amnesty, saying it’s in the interest of fairness and equity. The amnesty will allow persons in possession of illegal firearms the opportunity to surrender them without fear of prosecution.
However, Prime Minister Holness admits that it would be better to catch the criminals.
Meanwhile, PM Holness points out that the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF, is not just relying on emergency powers and enhanced security measures.
He says the force is currently undergoing a transformational phase. He notes that the use of technology is a key priority.
PM Holness adds that all 19 divisional headquarters will be fully equipped with an electronic station diary by March 2023.
While expressing confidence in the new recruits, Prime Minister Holness says the aim is to have another 1,300 new constabulary members installed before the end of this year.
