Guyana developing plan to tackle illicit firearms and ammunition

…receiving UN assistance

The Ministry of Home Affairs is working with the United Nations (UN) to implement the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap for Guyana and to advance Guyana’s National Action Plan on the illicit proliferation of firearms and ammunition.

On Tuesday, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn participated in a Virtual Executive Seminar held by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC). It was meant to map out Guyana’s priorities, plans and timelines for the aforementioned goals.

In his opening remarks, Minister Benn noted that the Government of Guyana attaches great importance to the implementation of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, and recognises the significance of working together, both bilaterally and through multilateral collaboration.

He assured that Guyana will work keenly with Regional and International partners to achieve the successful implementation of the National Action Plan.

Meanwhile, the seminar benefitted from presentations delivered by IMPACS, UNLIREC and Guyana. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum presented on the national perspective regarding the state of disarmament in Guyana’s security landscape.

He identified in his presentation that a comprehensive audit is currently underway in relation to missing firearms from the Guyana Defense Force and the Guyana Police Force, and that a number of recoveries of missing firearms were made.

The Seminar was attended by, Senior Representatives of CARICOM IMPACS, Deputy Director of UNLIREC, Representative of Germany’s Foreign Ministry, Non- Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Guyana, Her Excellency Ute König, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nigel Hoppie DSM, Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, Colonel Anderson of the Guyana Defense Force, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Teshana James-Lake, Representatives of CANU and Representatives of the Minister’s Secretariat.