The success of the government’s gun amnesty programme during a two-month trial period will determine whether it will be continued, according to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.
The programme is to begin on September 1st and it is being initiated against the backdrop of the police’s continued recovery of illegal guns. The country’s porous borders have for years made it difficult to curb gun running.
In a recent interview at the Public Buildings, Ramjattan said the amnesty would be conducted during September and October and if it is successful then the programme will be continued. “I am certain at the end of the two months we will know what it is, whether it is efficacious a policy, or if it is not but we should give it a try,” said Ramjattan, who seemed confident that the government is moving in the right direction.
At the moment, he noted, police stations where firearms can be turned in are being identified as well as the civilians who will accompany lawmen when collections are made. He explained that he has to make an order outlining these two things and this will then have to be gazetted to allow for the programme to become operational.
