Dear Editor,
The recent rampage of a licensed firearm owner resulting in the loss of five lives again brings to the fore the need for better gun oversight in Guyana.
Private gun ownership comes under the Firearms Act of the Laws of Guyana Cap 16:05. Although this law may be superficially adequate; I believe that a review of the legislation and all other gun related matters, by a commission, may be justified.
Much attention has been given to firearms smuggled into Guyana across our porous borders. I submit that merely stating knowledge of this fact is inadequate. Authorities, particularly the police and Ministry of Home Affairs must take action to close the gap and bring an end to this problem, which has plagued Guyana for far too long. Additionally, the matter of licensed weapons must also engage our attention.
What criteria are used to determine eligibility for such a licence? Is it money? Is it friends in the Guyana Police Force? Is it personal friendship with the Minister in question? or, maybe, all of the above?
When one applies for a licence, are adequate background checks done; or is a licence issued simply because money changes hands? When a licensed firearm owner applies for a renewal, is he again subject to background checks to determine if he abuses alcohol or drugs? Are checks made to determine if he has used his firearm to threaten employees, neighbours and associates? Are checks carried out to determine his psychological stability?
Finally, when a licensed firearm owner leaves Guyana he is required to lodge his firearm with the police. How is this provision enforced?
Additionally, some licensees migrate and never return to Guyana; what happens to all of those weapons? Can the police assure Guyanese that all of those lodged firearms are accounted for?
These are questions that must be asked and I expect the police and Minister of Home Affairs to answer them.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta