Curaçao launched its “Arma Ta Karma” (Weapons Are Karma) initiative to reduce illegal firearm possession (see related story). There have been several “gun amnesty” programmes encouraging people to hand in unlicensed weapons on the island, as is the case in St. Maarten. These were considered only partially successful, mainly because mostly otherwise law-abiding citizens made use of the grace period, not so much existing or potential criminals.
This is strictly an awareness campaign, particularly targeting youth, warning them about the dangers of firearms and their impact on the community. It will be done in a language and style they understand. Well-known local influencers are involved to capture the attention of young people. Through discussions, presentations and a music video, students will be given a wake-up call, as weapons often lead to grief and loss within families.
Perhaps something similar can be organised in St. Maarten, where delinquency and the proliferation of firearms have become a major issue. If will cost money, of course, but the county has a Crime Fund from seized unlawful earnings precisely for prevention projects.
Meanwhile, the call by – among others – current Member of Parliament (MP) and ministerial candidate Richinel Brug to invest in container scanning capacity at the cargo port should not fall on deaf ears. In addition to getting a better grip on what actually enters the country, doing so could even speed up freight handling with a state-of-the art system allowing for more effective Customs controls.
It’s been said before, but this seems like a no-brainer.
