Citation(s) from the Gun Policy News media archive
National Task Force Records Considerable Success In Illicit Firearm Seizures
Caribseek News
30 January 2014
Relevant contents
GEORGETOWN - The Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illegal Firearms has recorded a total of 111 firearms seizures for 2012 compared to the 125 in the previous year.
This is according to the National Drug Report that was launched yesterday by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee.
These include: 28 pistols, 39 revolvers, 31 shotguns, and 13 rifles; 31.5 percent of the weapons seized originated in the United States of America while a similar number originated in Brazil.
In 2012, 22 illicit firearms were stolen, 653 were used to commit robbery under arms, 25 to commit murder, 41 in shooting incidents, 16 in discharging firearms, and three in threats giving a total of 760; representing an 18 percent increase from 2011.
The Firearms Licencing Approval Board was established in July 2012 with a mandate of reviewing applications for the grant of firearm licences and making relevant recommendations. In this regard, the current procedure in place for the granting of such licences is being reviewed with a view of strengthening the vetting process.
On January 16, the National Assembly unanimously passed the Firearms (Amendment) Bill which was initially rejected last year but was re-tabled by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.
This new Bill seeks to curb illegal trafficking in firearms, its components and ammunition, and also now makes it unlawful to carry the components of a disassembled gun or bring such parts into Guyana.
Additionally, regulations are being drafted which will lead to the establishment of an electronically driven Firearms Licencing Management System, inclusive of the payment of a processing fee by successful applicants.