UN body examines local weapons’ stockpiles

Guyana is slated to receive assistance on stockpile management and destruction of firearms, ammunition and explosives through the United Nations Regional Centre on Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) once the government approves the Baseline Assessment that is expected to be made by the body.

According to a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, an Assessment Mission from the UNLIREC was in Guyana between June 10 and 14 and visited the stockpile facilities within the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Prison Service to obtain information for the baseline assessment.

The press release said UNLIREC has assisted a number of countries in the region in stockpile management and destruction through a Caribbean Assistance Package with funding from the US Statement Department. It is through this framework Guyana will benefit once the government gives the green light to the assessment.

During the visit members of the mission held meetings with Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall. Meetings were also held with senior personnel of the army, police and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The home ministry said it stands committed to cooperating with its international partners on initiatives geared at enhancing the peace and security of the citizens of Guyana.