Dear Editor,
The budget is now over. We are now faced with the harsh reality of several increases of licence fees. The one that concerned me the most is the increase of the firearm licence fee from $5,000 to $25, 000, a whopping 500% increase for a handgun. What in the world have the holders of this instrument of security done to incur the wrath of the APNU+AFC Government? This instrument of security sits with us or in a secure corner and doesn’t bring in a cent when the year is up. It is not a luxury nor a privilege but a necessity for protection and our survival. With all the taxes we are already paying, the Guyana Police Service is incapable of guaranteeing us protection.
Let us not forget the period when hundreds of businessmen were killed and robbed. The police were virtually helpless. Many businesses closed down and owners migrated. In fact, about 30 policemen lost their lives during this period. The remainder were even afraid for their own lives much less to protect us. During this period, many Police Stations had big padlocks on their gates. The business community and the country at large were virtually left on their own.
The brave businessmen and women stepped forward with the help of the then government. All we asked for was a firearm to help secure our lives. We made a tremendous sacrifice for our survival. Many still lost their lives and property due to the unprecedented crime that invaded our country.
Today we are no less vulnerable. Crime is still a big deterrent to our business climate. The police still cannot guarantee our safety. We still have big expenses installing security cameras and grills to our homes and businesses. The APNU+AFC Government is fully aware of our plight. Mr. Granger himself promised to make Guyana safe. To besiege us with a 500% increase on this licence can be considered an indictment against the APNU+AFC Government. The business community that supported the coalition never bargained for this kind. This leaves us worried as to what next is there to come. I remember when Guyana had transportation crises in the 80’s., the late President Hoyte gave duty-free concessions to anyone who brought in vehicles for this purpose. The crises came to a swift end. A similar policy is needed to solve our crime situation. I would expect more responsible individuals from various communities to be granted firearms and to work closely with the Police. It is no secret that criminals have a harder time penetrating some communities or don’t dare risk doing so where an armed response is likely to be high.
I hope President Granger will look at this misstep for surely it has created a poor impression of his administration’s ability to initiate policies to protect the vulnerable business community. This move is a big slap in the face of all licence firearm holder.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied)