THE Ministry of Home Affairs, in a release yesterday, responded to a statement purportedly made by the President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA), Patrick Harding, about the delay in acquisition of firearm licences.

The ministry stated that if what was reported is correct, then it is unfortunate that the GGDMA President chose to make this statement, even though the ministry and the association held discussions on security for the mining community on February 11, 2013.
During this meeting, several decisions were made, including the involvement of the GGDMA in the due diligence process to establish the bona fides of persons claiming to be miners, and the readiness of the ministry to help facilitate the processing of applications.
The ministry expressed its disappointment that no reference was made by the GGDMA President about the meetings held between the association and President Donald Ramotar, and Ministers Clement Rohee and Robert Persaud.
A number of issues were discussed on February 11, when Minister Rohee met with members of the GGDMA. The latter were informed of the delinking of E and F Divisions which are now under the command of Superintendent Owen Trotz and Senior Superintendent Courtney Ramsey, respectively.
They were also informed of the identification of locations for other police outposts, as well as Cabinet’s approval of the acquisition of a mobile police outpost, ongoing roving patrols, and the review of the firearm licence application and approval process.
The following specific decisions were taken at that meeting:

The ministry is currently awaiting the provision of miners who have applied for firearm licence, and have not yet received a response from the police. In 2012, 25 miners were approved at the level of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Firearms Approval Board, for the granting of firearm licences.