PUBLIC Security Minister,Mr Khemraj Ramjattan hasannounced that the government intends to clamp down on the erratic issuing of gun licences as obtained during the previous administration. He made the observation Wednesday during a meeting between Executives of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and members of the Upper Corentyne Fisherman’s Coop Society Limited at City Inn Hotel at Line Path, Skeldon. Noting that the trend back then was to issue licences in an ad hoc manner, Minister Ramjattan said that it is for this very reason that the Public Security Ministry has put applications on hold, and is moving to implement a systematic and transparent procedure for their issuance. He said he has since asked the Ministry’s Advisory Board to come up with systematic policies and programmes that should soon see the licences being granted “with a sense of reasoning.” He said that this change in the way things are done where the issuing of gun licences is concerned should bring not just order to the system, but dissuade the existing regime of tolerance for corruption. “I do not want people to pay bribe for anything; you go through the process, and if the process did not grant you what you want, you are entitled to make a complaint,”the Minister said.

GUN AMNESTY
The minister also spoke of other plans to have a gun amnesty for fiearms that are illegally held. He explained that the ministry is still working out the details for this, but once this amnesty is granted those caught after with illegal fiearms will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

CPG VEHICLES FOR POLICE FORCE
The Minister told the gathering that underutilised vehicles issued to Community Policing Groups (CPGs) are being transferred to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Minister Ramjattan disclosed that his ministry will be delivering to the Force, 38 vehicles that were handedover to CPGs by the last administration. These were underutilised by the CPGs, and will be better used by the police force which is not only in need of vehicles, but also “the fist line of defence for public security.” He explained further that these vehicles will be transferred to those divisions where crime rates have spiked. He said that this move should ensure more patrols in these areas. The Minister also urged care of the vehicles explaining that he has visited several police stations and witnessed the state of vehicles just under three years old. He also advised against unauthorised use of the vehicles stressing that those found guilty will be prosecuted. (GINA)