A total of 130 guns were issued to residents of 12 villages in Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) last Friday by Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.
According to a Department of Public Information report, Ramjattan described the distribution, which took place at the Kamarang Sports Complex, as historic, while claiming that no government had made firearms and licences available to Indigenous communities before.
It was also the first time that, as minister, he signed off on as many licences at once, he also said.
The beneficiaries are residents of Kako, Waramadong, Jawalla, Phillipai, Kamarang, Warwata, Parima, Wax Creek, Chinoweing, Imbaimadai, Quebanang and Wyling.
Ramjattan said the government was able to negotiate with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to have the guns exempted from duty.
The report said in 2015, residents had turned in their unlicensed firearms during the Ministry of Public Security’s amnesty programme for unlicensed firearms. The ministry’s plan was to regularise the system, to allow for every firearm holder to be licensed.
Ramjattan, the report noted, said he was pleased to be delivering on another of the coalition government’s promises by returning the firearms and issuing licences to the communities. He described it as yet another effort to ensure the Indigenous communities get what they deserves. “Whatever else must come your way, because you so deserve it, definitely will come your way through this coalition government,” he explained.
The new licensed firearm holders were supplied with 100 rounds of ammunition and Ramjattan also informed them that he will be working with the Commissioner of Police to have a safe house established at the Kamarang Police Station from where persons can purchase ammunition.
Meanwhile, Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock explained that the government was only seeking to ensure law and order in the country. “I want to thank you for being patient. You have shown that there is a high level of understanding among you,” Allicock was quoted as saying.
The report said residents were also encouraged to be responsible as the minister noted that the firearms must only be used for the purpose intended. Residents were encouraged to use the firearms for the sole purpose of taking care of their farms and providing for their families.
