Georgetown: The combined opposition has voted against the firearms amendment bill which sought to criminalize trafficking in firearms.
Advisor to the president Gail Teixeira has described this opposition to the bill as “childish, little boy behavior in a play ground” and said that rejection of the bill comes purely because it was presented by home affairs minister, Clement Rohee.
Ms Teixeira said this position by the combined opposition is reprehensible, vulgar and disgusting.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also expressed dismay at the opposition’s move to vote against the motion, which he pointed out, seeks to ensure that the trafficking in arms and components of firearms in Guyana is a crime.
The prime minister is questioning the reason for this rejection.
In an invited comment, minister of home affairs Clement Rohee stated that this opposition to the bill is sending the wrong signals to criminal elements.
The home affairs minister believes this is a political struggle.
However, he says government will continue to bring bills that support law enforcement.
He reminded that law abiding citizens will not suffer because he failed to do his work but because of the work of the opposition.
Opposition leader David Granger in response to their action said it is more dangerous to have minister Rohee as home affairs minister than to pass such bills.
In debating the firearms amendment bill minister Rohee said that it is necessary to collaborate with regional countries to address the issue of illegal firearms in each jurisdiction.
He believes extensive and porous nature of Guyana’s borders makes it possible for illegal firearms to enter Guyana.
The home affairs minister concedes that this is a major challenge for the country and sees it important to look to other caricom countries in this regard.
Meanwhile foreign affairs minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett said this amendment serves to enhance protection and controls at the national level.
She believes the illegal trafficking is not only a national issue but global menace which has taken a root on society.
The decision by the opposition to vote against the bill is seen by many as detrimental, especially since Guyana signed on to several international arms treaty.
The rules of the national assembly clearly states that any bill that is not pass by the national assembly, cannot be brought back to the piloters during the life of that parliament.
It means the firearms amendment bill cannot be tabled again by the home affairs minister during the tenth parliament.
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