MINISTER of Home Affairs Clement Rohee’s recent pronouncement on reviewing the laws on gun ownership, usage, and review of gun licences should come as no surprise. He highlighted a situation that stands at the heart of the high level of violence in our society, thereby becoming a grave threat to the well-being of citizens, and to the State in the process. We are referring here to the irresponsible usage of firearms.Speaking recently at a conference on Interpersonal Violence, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Minister Rohee said he would be asking the President to review the country’s gun laws. Among the very fundamental issues raised, was the pivotal question as to why so many citizens need firearms, emphasising that this is not the United States where persons have the constitutional right to bear arms; but concomitantly said that the time has come for a debate on whether Guyanese should be allowed to bear arms. He further asked if there were a withdrawal of licences, whether the police would be able to provide adequate security.

But he concluded four very important points that stand at the heart of gun violence in Guyana. Not only did he request that his ministry be vested with the right to decide on firearms licences renewal; but most importantly, he reiterated that gun licences must not be automatic; that strong measures must be taken, because people with guns are embarrassing our country; and aggressive measures must be taken against those who sell, buy, lend and trade guns.
That the minister spoke in his usually frank and uncompromising manner is understandable. After all, his portfolio, that of national security, charges him with keeping the State safe.
This translates into protection of citizens, hence the maintenance and execution of law and order. His keep therefore is an especially peculiar one, since in the execution of his responsibilities decisions will have to be taken which may not find favour with sections of the citizenry.
It is a most thankless job, as editorialised some time ago. And this minister, known for his proactive approach to crime-fighting must be commended, for he has his finger on the pulse of this threat to national security.
Of course, there is a gun problem in our society that has taken on frightening dimensions, especially with the advent of narcotics, trafficking of firearms, and other aspects of organised crime as significant quantum in local incidents of crime. This has set off a frantic rush for acquisition of firearms, through legal or illegal means. The fact is that everybody wants to be strapped up, for one reason or another.
One can understand certain categories of citizens seeking firearms for legitimate purposes such as very important citizens, businesspersons, and the professional class. This is natural and traditional, due mainly to their standing in society and accumulation of material worth which make them assumed targets for criminal acts, and forcing them to protect themselves.
Surely, the law has been servicing these persons. However, there is the perception that our society is no longer safe due to the very high levels of criminal activity, particularly those that involve violent crime. This has spawned a rush for guns, from the general citizenry. Minister Rohee is on record as questioning the reason for this rush for arms.
A particular category is that which is representative of persons who are illegally in possession of, or have easy and ready access to guns and ammunition. These persons are the ones mostly involved in daily criminal activities, inclusive of those who, because of their shady associations and dealings, themselves become targets. These are the persons who have been buying guns from arms dealers, since their chances of legitimate acquisition would be zero.
The factor of the arms dealers has definitely complicated matters, since they are the sources of the ready availability of weaponry of almost any calibre, and has surely been responsible for the proliferation of guns within our society. What is vexed and contradictory about this illegal arms trade, is that it is conducted along with legitimate commerce, by persons who ought to know better. It appears to have eluded the consideration of these merchants of death, conveniently, that their colleague business associates are often victims of these very hardware that are sold/rented to criminals.
But, there is another very serious contradiction, this time surrounding persons who are licensed firearms holders. Embarrassingly, they have not been responsible in the use of their weapons. Too many of them assume that being licensed allows the right of use, even when not necessary. It is worse when these persons are under the influence, as many of them are observed waving their guns dangerously, even firing off rounds indiscriminately.
This is the background that must have given rise to the minister’s urgent concerns as highlighted when he spoke at Liliendaal. It explained why some months ago he introduced the Firearms Amendment Bill, which sought to plug loopholes in the law, and be able to prosecute offenders; and now, his justified announcement that he will be consulting the President on matters pertaining to the question of the country’s gun laws. One must note his blunt statement of his intention, whether Opposition leader David Granger supports the requested measures in Parliament or not.
Surely, Minister Rohee is in proper order, since for reasons that can only be concluded as political vendetta, and irresponsible, Granger has led an Opposition boycott of non-support against measures initiated by this cabinet executive, in the House, inclusive of the Amendment Bill.
But the Home Affairs Minister must act, as he surely will, since it is his prerogative to effect measures in the national interest. How fair is it for him to be made to answer for the nation’s security when his every measure is wilfully frustrated by the Opposition? One hopes that both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), see the wisdom in giving their unconditional support to all measures promulgated against illegal guns and irresponsible use of such arms.
There are just too many guns in our country, smuggled in by unconscionable persons, whose actions are purely influenced by monetary gains. They must be relentlessly pursued by the security forces, since they undermine the security of the State. For those who purchase from these illegal depots – they too, must be the subject of a no-holds-barred offensive, to remove such instruments from their persons. And to those licensed holders, found to be unworthy of ownership, their privilege must be withdrawn.