THE attempted assassination of United States Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has once again put the question of gun control in the society on the table.
The theory that guns breed crime and encourage violence has come back to the fore. This issue is not just a question for the US administration — it is one which all societies have to grapple with.
Political analysts argue that in the US nothing would change the situation. The gun lobby is so strong that it is capable of blocking any attempt to limit, much less ban,
weapons in the society.

QUOTE:The fight against drug trafficking must be intensified. In our country, the government has passed laws to strengthen that fight and money laundering legislation is already before Parliament. Let us, however, be realistic and take note of the amount of money involved in drug trafficking, which is huge. Some of the drug barons have even been utilising submarines to get their goods to markets. Many countries do not have that capacity. It is clear, therefore, that we have to promote cooperation and joint actions between producing countries, countries that are being used as trans-shipment ports and the countries where the demand is great. There is no other way in defeating this modern day scourge than by this type of cooperation among societies.

This is despite the fact that the frequency with which mass shootings are occurring in the US has seen a steady increase.
Moreover, the US administration and the media have so hyped up the country’s image (mainly for political gains) about the war against terrorism and the constant dangers of
terrorism, that it is almost impossible to get political support for the limiting of guns in that society.
Based on the experiences of other countries, we in Guyana and in Third World countries generally, need to examine the issue carefully to weigh the pros and cons and implement strategies/measures which bring quick results.
It is said (and it is true) that drugs and the drugs trade also breed crime. The question that must be asked is: Does the right of people to carry weapons lessen crime or does
it have a negative effect on it (crime)?
If we compare the US and Europe, the two largest markets for drugs, and compare the crime rate, we may find that the rate in Europe is well below that of the US.
The reason, some say, is because gun control laws in Europe are much tougher than those of the US. In some European countries, for example the United Kingdom, possession of guns is actually illegal (banned).
Another issue that has surfaced with the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords is in relation to the question of violence against civilians/individuals.
From this experience, it is felt in some quarters that weapons should be banned.
Nowadays, this is not such a simple issue.
The situation in countries where drugs are being shipped shows a growing crime rate. Mexico is probably one of the most violent countries due to the strength of the drugs trade and the drug lords. The gang wars and the war with the security forces have resulted in hundreds being killed. The situation is so bad that the violent death of a person on the road is hardly news any more.
We have also seen an upsurge of guns in the Caribbean, including our own Guyana.
With every crime committed using guns, pressure is put on the administration. Almost everyone wants a gun to protect their homes and properties. The demand for permission to carry weapons is growing.
However, despite the fact that we have seen more and more people carrying weapons, we have not seen the proportionate fall in crimes.
The same question that has haunted the US is also beginning to haunt other societies. Are guns breeding crime and are they also responsible for the different kinds of violence being experienced in some societies?
In many societies, the demand for guns is becoming a political question. Some people have even expressed views that everyone should be given the right (licence) to carry a
weapon/s.
This could be disastrous and could see murder rates jumping in many societies.
To curb the need for all to acquire weapons, we have to take simultaneous actions.
In the first place, we have to encourage communities/citizens to take more responsibility for their security. Formation of more Community Policing Groups (PCGs) should be
encouraged and the necessary training must be given so that they can execute their duties in a professional manner and avoid excesses.
This is one measure that is being adopted in many countries, including developing societies.
The fight against drug trafficking must be intensified. In our country, the government has passed laws to strengthen that fight and money laundering legislation is already
before Parliament.
Let us, however, be realistic and take note of the amount of money involved in drug trafficking, which is huge. Some of the drug barons have even been utilising submarines to
get their goods to markets. Many countries do not have that capacity.
It is clear, therefore, that we have to promote cooperation and joint actions between producing countries, countries that are being used as trans-shipment ports and the
countries where the demand is great. There is no other way in defeating this modern day scourge than by this type of cooperation among societies.
Nationally, we have to ensure that the law enforcement bodies are equipped and that they have the moral strength to deal with crime, especially gun-related crimes. They have to build confidence in the various societies so that people can be assured that they are being protected, and that if a crime is committed the perpetrator/s would be caught and brought to justice.
People must not feel that they need to carry weapons because of the surmised inefficiency of the security forces.
In politics, too, we need to examine ways and means whereby the contributions of politicians could have an effect. One of these ways must be to heed the advice of Mr. Richard Trumka, the President of the AFL-CIO, to be careful with words; we must not be responsible for instigating violence against individuals. Our politics must emphasise morality as well.
In our struggle, we must remember the horrific attack on Gabrielle Giffords.