Dear Editor,
There are perhaps about four thousand licensed civilian firearm holders in Guyana and I will wager that no more than 90% are very familiar with their weapons and/or practice shooting fairly regularly. Such a situation defeats the very purpose for which one was issued a firearm licence in the first place. To defend life and property with a firearm requires more than the basic knowledge of your firearm which was imparted to you when you bought same. Additionally, firearm holders need constant reminders regarding when to use a firearm.
Conversely, criminal elements, some as young as 12, are known to carry and use illegal firearms in robberies, etc. There is a strong belief that these elements are receiving training at the hands of some ex-Army/Police personnel and from other criminals.
Clearly, therefore, the advantage is on the side of criminal elements.
My call hereby is for the relevant Authority to allow for the formation of Gun Clubs which can be manned by accredited personnel to which licensed firearm holders can be affiliated. With adherence to strict rules governing these clubs and their members, legit firearm owners can access adequate and constant training on the use of and familiarity with their weapons.
I am hopeful that the licensed firearm community can join the debate on this matter and take the appropriate initiatives towards formation of approved Gun Cubs.
Yours faithfully,
Tej Jadunauth
