LAST Friday, the Government of Guyana distributed 130 firearms and licences, and 100 rounds of ammunition each, to selected residents of 12 villages in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region. This exercise was government’s response to the recognised needs of residents of those communities, and follows a promise made by government to be mindful of the needs of all citizens – regardless of where they live – and respond quickly and appropriately to their individual requirements.

Residents of hinterland communities have particular needs. They farm crops and livestock which they must protect; they live in remote areas that have scarce stores and other sources of goods; and they frequently reside in areas with few, poorly equipped law-enforcement facilities and personnel. As such, many residents had understandably armed themselves with guns illegally, in a desperate attempt to protect their families, guard their properties, and safeguard their interests. Of course, such unregulated possession of guns is unacceptable, as it would be to any law-abiding society.

The administration, being responsible, law-respecting, mindful, and responsive to the needs of citizens, initiated a programme of amnesty in 2015. Under this programme, owners of illegal firearms could surrender their guns to law- enforcement officials, without any fear of punishment. Additionally, the government made a promise to provide legal firearms – because they were needed – to residents of hinterland communities.
The government has fulfilled that promise.

Working through the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, government, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, has made the first batch of legal firearms available to those who need them; namely, residents of Kako, Waramadong, Jawalla, Phillipai, Kamarang, Warwata, Puruima, Wax Creek, Chinoweing, Imbamadai, and Wailing. Importantly, the administration will also provide safe, secure places where legal ammunition may be obtained and stored.

Prior to this arrangement, even if a hinterland resident had a legal firearm, he would have had to travel all the way to the city – at great cost – to purchase a few rounds of ammunition.

Today, with this new and progressive arrangement, the owner of a legal weapon would be able to obtain ammunition from nearby law-enforcement officials, and, he would be able to store that ammunition at a closely located police station, at great savings to himself and the community.

This pilot initiative is an example of a socially sensitive government responding to the specific needs of an often overlooked community. It is an instance of a comprehensive programme that is intended to address a definite need, following the identification of that need. And, it is a timely response of a thoughtful, searching, proactive, and pragmatic government, to a problem that faces citizens, many of whom were previously overlooked.