guns off the streets by paying people for their weapons.

During November's gun amnesty that island's Chamber of Commerce handed out $250 worth of vouchers to anyone who handed in their illegal weapons before the end of the month.

The Grand Cayman Police collected 30 firearms and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

Sir John said: "Any initiative that helps to remove guns from our community would be appreciated.'' He added: "The idea of a private sector initiative that was proposed in the Grand Caymanian Compass newspaper advertisement together with the scheme put forward by Bermuda's Government would obviously enhance the removal of guns from our community.

"I therefore applaud the undertaking by any group, business, institution or any individual that will contribute towards this objective.'' The idea for the plan was put forth by the Rotary Club of the Grand Cayman.

Manager of the Chamber of Commerce on the Island, Mr. Will Pineau said the Rotary Club approached Police and the Chamber asking whether they would agree to join forces in an effort to remove as many illegal firearms from the streets as possible.

Mr. Pineau said: "The way the programme works is that church ministers in the community can accept fire arms anonymously, and those people handing them in are given $250-vouchers which enables them to buy merchandise from any Chamber of Commerce members.'' He added: "It has worked fabulously and it was very successful. In total 30 firearms were turned in with dozens of rounds of ammunition.'' Mr. Pineau also said this was the first time the Island had used this type of method and "the Chamber would support any effort made to use this programme again.'' He added: "It has had great benefit to our society, removing the danger that illegal firearms could pose when in the hands of criminals.'' On October 31 last month Sir John announced a general firearm amnesty in the wake of a double shooting in the early hours of the morning on October 30.

The amnesty, which was Bermuda's third since the mid-1980s allowed people who were in possession of firearms, ammunition or other prohibited weapons to turn them in to the nearest Police station without being prosecuted.