The Government of Anguilla has received specialist equipment that will enable trained law enforcement officers to destroy dangerous and illegal firearms.
The new tools were presented at the conclusion of a week-long firearms destruction and management training programme for police, immigration, and customs officers.
The course was led by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) team, which is based in Trinidad and Tobago.
Derrick Sankar, director of the Trinidad and Tobago Forensics Centre, handed over the equipment on the morning of 8 January, and in a historic first it was used to destroy a gun.
Commissioner of Police Robert Clark and Premier Ellis Webster both participated in the symbolic demonstration before stakeholders and members of the media at the police headquarters in The Quarter.
Boosting safety
During the ceremony, the premier commended the programme, noting that it will “increase our safety” and expressed hope that it will complement future gun amnesties in reducing weapons on the streets.
He thanked everyone that took part in the training and said he looks forward to “bigger and better” things to come from the police force.
Commissioner Clark expressed his gratitude for the support received and said the day marked a significant step forward in Anguilla’s fight against gun crime.
“The destruction of firearms not only reduces their potential to cause harm but also sends a clear message of our unwavering commitment to protecting our community,” he said.
Leading the destruction of the firearm was the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a UK-based non-governmental organisation that helps people affected by landmines, small arms and light weapons.
Andrew John Steadman from MAG, said the organisation has carried out destruction programmes across the Caribbean in a bid to “control the proliferation and diversion of illegal weapons”.
Watch the ceremony and destruction of the weapon in full below:
