GUN and gun-related violence is a serious matter, not only in Guyana, but in the world at large. It threatens our most fundamental human right; the right to life. It is a daily tragedy affecting the lives of people all across the globe. The statistics show that more than 500 people die every day, globally, because of violence committed with firearms.

Guyana is no exception in this regard, and even though our statistics may not be as alarming when compared to some other countries, it is serious enough to gain the attention of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who indicated that his administration is examining measures to tackle this problem. Towards this end, the Attorney-General has been tasked with examining the existing laws, and to propose amendments to allow for the imposition of maximum penalties for persons found with unregistered weapons. Persons in possession of illegal weapons will be granted a period of amnesty to have those weapons off the streets.

Section 16 (2) of the Firearms Act stipulates that any person found with a firearm in his possession without holding a firearm licence shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of not less than $3000.00 nor more than $15,000, together with imprisonment for not less than one year, nor more than three years, and on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for seven years.

Given the fact that a significant number of crimes are gun-related, the intervention by President Ali is both timely and necessary. And even though the statistics show a reduction in the overall crime rate, when compared to the corresponding period last year, any crime committed is one too many.

According to President Ali, very soon, a programme will be launched to offer those who are in breach of the laws to turn a new page in life, and be provided with a new pathway to earning an income, and living a decent life. This is a welcome gesture on the part of the President, and it is hoped that full advantage will be taken of this opening.

Our people deserve to live in an environment free from crime, and the police records show that unregistered guns are a leading cause of crime and violence in the country. Gun violence results in several health issues throughout affected communities, including mental and psychological traumas by victims and other family members.

Guyana is not a manufacturer of firearms, which means that all firearms entering the country are procured from overseas suppliers. Because of the porous nature of our borders, a significant number of these firearms are smuggled into the country, and find their way into the hands of bandits. The problem was further compounded by the lax gun control measures of the previous APNU-AFC administration when guns went missing from the Joint Services, and were supposedly linked to criminal activities. An audit done after the PPP/C took office into the Guyana Police Force found that under the previous administration, a significant number of firearms had vanished. It is anyone’s guess as to the actual whereabouts of those missing weapons, especially in light of an apparent nexus between the APNU+AFC coalition, and some elements of the criminal underworld.

There is a strong case to revisit our existing laws regarding unregistered firearms, and President Ali is clearly on the ball in dealing with this growing scourge. The economic and social life of the country is getting better, but these advances could be mitigated by perceptions of rising levels of crime and criminality.