The first day of Sint Maarten’s new firearm amnesty initiative saw one illegal weapon turned in, authorities reported Tuesday.
A .24 caliber Midnight Special was surrendered to police Monday morning as part of the recently launched “Stop, Drop, and GO” program.
Law enforcement officials view the surrender as a positive first step in community efforts to reduce gun violence across the island.
The program, which runs through May 2, continues tomorrow with the next designated amnesty day on Wednesday, April 16. Officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of this opportunity to turn in unlicensed firearms without facing legal consequences.
The “Stop, Drop, and GO” initiative offers financial incentives of up to 895 guilders (approximately US$500) for surrendered weapons or tips leading to weapon recovery. The program operates under a guarantee of anonymity, with authorities promising no questions will be asked when firearms are surrendered, unless the weapon is linked to a criminal offense.
Jointly launched by the KPSM and the Prosecutor’s Office with support from the Ministry of Justice, the program aims to enhance public safety by reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation.
Residents can surrender weapons at the Opal Building on Union Road in Cole Bay on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm throughout the amnesty period.
Trained personnel are on site to safely receive firearms, which must be delivered unloaded in sealed containers.
Those surrendering weapons receive a receipt without having their identity recorded.
