Dominica announces gun amnesty

The government of Dominica has announced a two-month amnesty on illegal firearms as one of a series of measures to tackle violent crime.



The amnesty will last until January 12.



Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said people who hand in guns during the amnesty would not face charges.



Mr. Blackmoore also announced a ban on imitation firearms and a minimum penalty of 15 years in jail for certain gun offences.



The last gun amnesty was reportedly conducted in 1997.



No gun was turned in at that time.



Officials say they are hoping for a better response this year.