The goods for guns campaign got off to a slow start, with only 12 guns handed in on the first day, Tuesday 2 January. On the second day, 19 guns were surrendered. The scheme was scheduled to end on on 6 January. It is important to note that a gun costs about RD$20,000 and vouchers offered in exchange are only worth RD$1,300 in goods. Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez said that despite the slow start, he feels what is importance is to send out the anti-violence message to the community and create an awareness of the need to reform Law 36 that authorizes the possession of guns. Fernando Mateo announced that he is taking the goods for arms campaign to the barrios and will visit homes and personally pick up weapons. His first visit was to the Gualey area in the company of TV producer, Isha.
12-18 January 1996