National

PM: 85% of Guns Being Traced Back to the United States Is Alarming

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – One day after a United States report on guns revealed 85 percent of guns recovered in The Bahamas were traced to American retailers, Prime Minister Philip Davis says the figures are startling and reiterated his government’s strong position on the matter.

He says the report confirms what we’ve been saying for quite some time.

“It’s alarming,” the prime minister said. “As you know most of our violent crimes are perpetrated by guns which we don’t manufacture. All is being illegally brought into the country and we are attempting to find ways to stem that tide.”

The report from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Department gathered data between 2018 and 2022.

It stated guns are trafficked most commonly through shipping transport and can be concealed in large items like cars, and televisions.

They can also be broken into components and hidden in household items like bags of rice or cereal, and packed in breakbulk cargo. The report adds that most sales originated in Florida, Texas and Georgia.

The report was released as The Bahamas continues to grapple with gun trafficking and as a result gun violence in country.

But Davis insists they’re making headway.

Prime Minister Philip Davis has been highlighting the issue, even meeting U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on two occasions to address the matter.