THE RAMSI Special Coordinator strongly emphased that “Gun must be free” in order to make Solomon Islands a safer place to live.

Mr Quinton Devlin said during the launching of the disarmament amnesty programme yesterday that firearms amnesty is one of the powerful and meaningful things to do to make the country safer.

Adding that it will protect the current and future generations of this nation and will create a brighter outlook for all Solomon Islanders.

“Turn in your guns, if you are a former combatant who failed to hand in your weapon in 2003, where you still kept the weapon to protect your family and for hunting.

“I particularly urge the families and wantoks to help us, make the country gun-free, prevent crime occurring in the future, ensure that every Solomon Islanders fells safe and secure in their homes, villages and towns.

“This is by encouraging your friends and love ones to do the right thing for themselves, for their families and for the country,” he said.

Mr Devlin pointed out that there is no legitimate reason for a member of the community to have a gun – guns are illegally in Solomon Islands.

He warned that there are heavy penalties such as fine and imprisonment for possessing illegally weapon, and a gun in a wrong hand is deadly.

Adding that even if it does not work, a gun can frighten and intimidate. And there is no excuse for leaving a weapon buried or hidden.

He said RAMSI is happy to support the planning, collection, safe storage and destruction of the firearms that will be surrendered to the RSIPF.

“I hope our involvement gives gun holders across the country the confidence and knowledge that the amnesty is genuine and the process is safe and fair.

“Today Solomon Islands is one of the safest countries in the world in terms of gun crime, an achievement that makes other nations envious.

“And so I often say that there are fewer guns in the community than people think, but still enough to be worried about.

“So, on the eve of RAMSI’s departure, Solomon Islanders are being presented with a choice and the opportunity to guarantee a better future.

“After RAMSI’s departure next month, the security and future of this nation will be fully in the hands of Solomon Islanders. So do the right thing today for a better tomorrow,” Mr Devlin said.