Government

Proposed Legislation Aimed at Changing Declaration of Firearms Blasted By Senate Body

The Committee of the Whole heard testimony from the Virgin Islands Police Department Police Commissioner, Trevor A. Velinor, on proposed legislation aimed at changing the process that guns are declared as they enter the territory . According to Mr. Velinor's testimony this legislation is a response to the essential need of ensuring proper measures for gun safety, relative to their storage, provides guidance on the protocol for declaring firearms upon arrival to the territory and the release of firearms upon departure, and identifies specific states for reciprocal recognition based upon the similar requirements of licensure. Many members of the Legislature did not see it this way but more as an invitation for visitors to bring guns into the territory.    This proposed legislation is worded as followed: “An Act amending Title 23, chapter 5, sections 460, 470, 471, and 489a of the Virgin Islands Code to provide for better licensing, safety, and declaration process for firearms ammuniti...