Solomon Islands PM signs second firearms amnesty

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has signed the second and final firearms amnesty for the country on Monday.

The three weeks grace period kicked off yesterday and will end June 9th.

A statement from the Police Media Unit said, the amnesty program is implemented by the Royal Solomon Police Force and other stake holders.

“The three-week amnesty will cover all firearms including shot guns, semi-automatic rifles, pistols, homemade guns, machine guns, all Police weapons and any other type of firearm or ammunition, including replica firearms.

“The amnesty will provide an opportunity for anyone within the community to hand in their illegal weapons without prosecution.”

Police said, during this firearms amnesty, all outstanding firearms and ammunition must be delivered to a RSIPF Police Station or Police Post across all provinces in the Solomon Islands. No money or reward will be given.

“A certificate will be issued for any firearm or ammunition delivered to the RSIPF. A decision from the Solomon Islands Government means no person will be prosecuted for the theft or illegal possession of a firearm and or ammunition delivered to the RSIPF during the amnesty period.

“After the conclusion of the firearms amnesty, any person found in illegal possession of a firearm, whether stolen or not may be subject to the full force of the law.

“If prosecuted and convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and or ammunition, there are severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.”

This is the second time the Government of Solomon Islands has approved a Firearms Amnesty, the first was on the arrival of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands in 2003.

Any inquiry regarding the handling of firearms should be directed to your local police station, the statement concluded. Media release