Vieux Fort North MP Moses Jn Baptiste says a revision of the Firearms Act will significantly impact reducing crime on the island and criminal activities associated with illegal guns.
The MP’s comments followed a barrage of gunfire Tuesday morning in Vieux Fort, leaving residents running for cover.
Several businesses were closed Tuesday morning due to the indiscriminate sound of high-powered weapons being discharged as gun violence continued in the south of the island.
The Lower House of Parliament met on Tuesday to review the island’s firearm legislation and introduce stiffer penalties for illegal firearm and ammunition possession.
“We are sending a strong signal that we will take action as a government and as a people to cause people who have illegal firearms not to feel that they can freely access and use illegal firearms,” Jn Baptiste said Tuesday.
“This is a dire situation!” he declared.
He says while an increase in violence on the island is nothing new, it remains a matter of great concern to the Pierre Administration.
“We don’t know why but it looks like people are settling scores with firearms with impunity, and certainly no society should stand for that,” Jn Baptiste said.
Former police officer Micoud North MP Jerimiah Norbert has welcomed the amendment to the Bill, stating “it is a step in the right direction.”
