Plans are in place to increase penalties for illegal possession of firearms following a recent shooting, Premier Wayne Panton has said.
In a Facebook video, he said the National Security Council on Tuesday, 17 Oct., agreed as a matter of urgency to review the Firearms Act 2008 Revision.
It will consider recommendations on increasing the penalties to be sent to Cabinet.
Currently, those found guilty risk a fine of up to $100,000 or 20 years in prison.
The mandatory minimum sentence for possession of a firearm in the Cayman Islands is already 10 years on conviction after a trial or 7 years in cases where a guilty plea is entered.
Panton did not give specifics of which sentencing guidelines would be altered or by how much.
His statement came after two men were injured in one of, what was previously reported as, three shootings on Sunday evening.
Police had said the shootings were in the vicinity of Tropical Gardens, Kings Road in West Bay, and at a bar on Shedden Road near North Sound Road.
However, in his statement, Panton said while there were multiple reports of gunshots, police have indicated that it was likely only one incident.
“My colleagues and I are concerned that this behaviour continues to negatively impact our community,” he said.
The premier stressed that the “continued proliferation and use of illegal firearms in this country will not be tolerated and we’re determined to limit these threats”.
He added: “The safety of our people remains the top priority of this Government.”
Panton said that the police service, under the leadership of Commissioner Kurt Walton, has his full support and he is confident that cases will be resolved.
But added: “Success in doing so is greatly assisted by information from the community at large.
“If any member of the community has any information that might be helpful, I encourage you to share that information using the RCIPS confidential top line at 949-7777.”
Tips can also be submitted through the RCIPS website, or anonymously through the Cayman Crime Stoppers website.
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There should be no “maybe” or “possible” in the discussion of illegal gun possession. I believe CIG needs to increase the penalties immediately for the protection of all.
IF residents want to own and carry a gun. Fine. But they MUST purchase from ON ISLAND sources, undergo a Police background check, register, undergo training, and always secure in a locked container when not wearing a firearm on their person.