August 1, 2024
This morning, Thursday 1st August 2024, the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services (SPPCS) officially launched its Gun Amnesty 2024 with a ceremony held at the Samoa Fire Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) headquarters. The event marked the beginning of a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and security of Samoa.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from the Samoa Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, followed by the attendance of esteemed guests including Honorable Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Matā’afa, Reverend Dr. Siaosi Salesulu, dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries and Authorities, and representatives from the Samoa Australia Police Partnership, New Zealand Police, Pacific Transnational Crimes Coordination Centre, and Pacific Immigration Development Community. The SPPCS Executive and Senior Management, along with other distinguished guests, were also present.
Reverend Dr. Siaosi Salesulu opened the ceremony with inspiring words of encouragement and a prayer, setting a reverent tone for the event. He drew from the scripture of Isaiah chapter 2 verse 4, emphasizing the importance of peace and disarmament.
Honorable Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Matā’afa, the keynote speaker, delivered a powerful address. She highlighted the significance of the Gun Amnesty 2024, which will run from 1st August to 30th September 2024. This initiative allows individuals in possession of unlawful firearms and ammunitions to surrender them without prosecution during the amnesty period. The Prime Minister commended the ongoing efforts of the SPPCS, noting the success of previous amnesties over the past seven years.
“The intention is for individuals in possession of unlawful firearms and ammunitions to surrender them without prosecution during the amnesty period. The Gun Amnesties commenced and continues with the intention to ensure that Samoa remains a safe and secure country. As Samoa sets to hold the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024, as the incoming Chair, the safety and security of all world leaders attending CHOGM is critical as such I am very proud of the Ministry of Police for taking this step and implementing the Amnesty as part of the overall security preparation,” stated Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Matā’afa.
She further shared statistics from previous amnesties, demonstrating their impact: From 2015 to 2016, 317 firearms and 231 ammunitions were received from the public; in 2018, 81 firearms were surrendered; and from 2020 to 2021, 198 firearms and 494 ammunitions were collected. In total, 596 firearms and 725 ammunitions have been surrendered to date. Additionally, from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, 16 reported incidents involving firearms were recorded by the police.
Prime Minister Matā’afa also expressed her condolences for the recent loss of Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite due to a gunshot wound, underscoring the critical need for community cooperation to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
“I urge the public to support our Government through the Samoa Police by the Gun Amnesty 2024. I extend my gratitude to the Government of Australia through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership for supporting this initiative. I also thank all invited dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps, CEOs, local, regional, international partners, and all distinguished guests present here today for availing your time to attend this significant event. Let us all work together for a safer Samoa. I now declare the Gun Amnesty 2024 officially launched,” concluded Prime Minister Matā’afa.
The Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Samoan people and is confident that the Gun Amnesty 2024 will contribute significantly to this goal.
End of release.