Georgetown : The Firearms (Amendment) Bill approved by the National Assembly last evening seeks to reduce illegal trafficking in firearms, its components and ammunition. The Bill also now makes it unlawful to carry the components of a disassembled gun or bring such parts into Guyana.
The Bill tabled by Government and got full support of the House is geared towards enhancing the citizen’s security strategy was defeated by the opposition in March 2013, based on the fact that it was tabled by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who does not enjoy the Opposition’s confidence. It was subsequently re-tabled in December by Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall.
The Bill repeals the current Firearms Act of Guyana which says that trafficking in firearms is not unlawful, nor is trading or possession of the components, which when assembled could become a lethal weapon. Improved fines and sentences are now in place for persons found using or trafficking illicit weapons in Guyana with the amendment to the Bill.
AG Nandlall explained that the amendment was in keeping with international treaties and agreements signed by the Government which seeks to have the amendments made. Pointing out that while there is widespread use of illegal weapons in Guyana, he added that it is not just a problem for this country, but for the Region at large.
The AG added that the Amended Bill has also increased the penalty for a person found using or trafficking illegal firearms. The penalty is now a $5M fine or a sentence of 10 years imprisonment which the AG says captures the seriousness of the offence.
A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament Winston Felix in supporting the Bill, said it represents agreements made under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), and pointed to the co-operation between the United States and the Caribbean in this regard.
Minister Rohee pointed to efforts made to prevent the access of illegal firearms into the country, emphasising the role of the military with regard to the border. He said that there have been talks with Brazil to utilise satellite technology with regard to tracking illegal arms and ammunition.
Minister Rohee identified the need for local intelligence to be garnered from border communities to help prevent illegal arms entering the borders. He spoke of two mechanisms which are in place to address this issue, a Special Task Force and a Special Firearms Unit. A Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UN body, United Nations Office for Disarmament’s Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNILIREC) will see the destruction of over accumulation of stockpiled firearms.
Regarding the reform of the Guyana Police Force and the criticisms levelled, he agreed that there is justification in them since all citizens had the right to ask for something better. He however, observed that while the process has begun, it will not be an easy task.
The Alliance for Change also supported the amendments with MP Moses Nagamootoo stating that the legislation was timely, whilst cautioning that ‘many weapons are in the wrong hands’.
The Bill was approved with the full support of the House.
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