Galil rifle

While the nation applauds the efforts of the St. Christopher and Nevis Royal Police Force for taking a record number of illegal guns off the streets, an alarm has been raised over the types of weapons the criminals possess.

Some 23 illegal weapons have been taken into police custody since the beginning of 2010; in some cases matching ammunition has also been recovered. Police were able to recover as many as six guns over a three-day span. In 2009, police recovered 33 guns, the same number in 2008, 21 in 2007, and eight in 2006.

Statistics show that of the 27 homicides recorded in 2009, guns were responsible for taking 23 lives. Guns were also responsible for 78 percent of the homicides recorded the previous year.

So far this year, the Federation has recorded 14 murders, all of which have been through use of a gun.

Among the illegal firearms recovered were a Tech-9 semi-automatic pistol, a Galil 5.56 semi-automatic rifle, a .357 Magnum revolver -- all considered to be high-powered or assault weapons. The list also included .22 revolvers, .45 pistols, .38 revolvers, and a bulletproof vest.

In the U.S., the civilian model of the TEC-9 was labeled "a favorite gun of criminals" due to its low price and the relative ease with which the original TEC-9 models could be converted into illegal fully automatic guns. Because of this reputation, the TEC-9 was among 19 types of guns banned by name in the U.S. in 1994. The Galil rifle can hold between 25 to 50 rounds in its magazine and can fire up to 650 rounds per minute.

Police have credited the public for assisting with the finds and continue to try to forge a stronger relationship with the communities.

National Security Minister Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor in April called for greater collaboration between all stakeholders to fight crime and violence.

"We have been emphasizing and focusing on the dialogue and communication with the communities to improve the confidence, the image, and the public relations between the police and the people. We can only succeed through the collaborative efforts of all of us; those of us within the various sectors of public service, private corporations, community services, the church -- in fact all citizens and residents."

Through a press release, Police PRO Inspector Vaughan Henderson thanked the public for its assistance in the police efforts to rid the streets of illegal firearms.
"The High Command of the Armed Forces wishes to thank the general public for their unstinting support."

The Federation has also sought international assistance to tackle surging gun-related crime by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a United States law enforcement agency, which will greatly enhance the ability of local police to track and fight firearms trafficking and illegal possession.

The Observer contacted Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for crime Joseph Liburd who said he would not comment on the issue just yet. He promised to make full statements on the issue of firearm recovery at a press conference he said would likely take place late next week.