PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali while emphasising that security is important for indigenous communities, has announced that over 250 requests for firearms have been granted for indigenous leaders, elders and villages.

The Head of State made this announcement on Monday during the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, which is expected to run until the end of this week.

President Ali said, “Security is very important, and we had about 250 requests from Toshaos, leaders and other village elders or persons recommended from the villages for firearm, shotgun licence, mostly for the protection of the villages.”

Noting that the issue of security has been raised previously, he announced that all of those applications were processed, and approval will be given by the end of the conference.

“I’m pleased to tell you today that every one of those applications was processed, and you will get those licences to take back in the villages,” he said.
While he underscored the importance of security for Guyana’s indigenous villages, Dr. Ali went on to add that the government will continue to expand the array of training for these communities.

“We’ll invest in bringing more business and entrepreneur opportunities, marketing and product development for your tourism,” he said.

As such, resources will be set aside under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for hinterland marketing and promotion for direct village eco-tourism and other tourism facilities.