Gun bounty scheme yields results, Minister says

A gun has already been seized by police after a tip-off to Government’s gun bounty scheme, Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said today.

Mr Dunkley told MPs: “As I indicated when the gun bounty was launched, this is not a cure for the issues that confront us, but it is one of the tools available and we must do everything we can to get guns off the street.

“One firearm off the street is a measure of success which validates this Government’s determination to engage the community at every level of this fight against guns, gangs, drugs and violence.

“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of individuals speaking up when they have information that can lead to successes like this.

“ At every level we, as a community, must continue to do our part to reclaim the way of life we desire for Bermuda.”

The gun bounty scheme – which offers cash rewards for information leading to the seizure of weapons – was launched last month with the tagline “If you know something, say something.”

Mr Dunkley added that the gang mediation scheme modelled on Boston’s StreetSafe programme was “up and running.”

He said: “I am confident that this programme will go from strength to strength and will provide the much needed alternatives to the gang lifestyle and reclaim a generation of our island’s young people.”