The disturbing rise in firearm use by criminals

Oct 11, 2013 Letters

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Dear Editor,
We have noticed a significant increase in the use of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in criminal activities. Lamentably, this has profound impact on our society. It has resulted in the continued deterioration of public safety and security. Seemingly, we are overwhelmed – homicides, robberies, extortion and intimidation by gun touting citizens are the order of the day. Sadly, we are yet to see a “Supply Reduction/Demand Reduction Strategy” that can adequately address this issue.
Empirical evidence has shown that the proliferation of illicit SALW is influenced by several socio-economic factors, especially narco-trafficking. Undoubtedly, narco-trafficking and illicit SALW are intertwined. Illicit SALW are needed for the protection of illicit drugs, turf and intimidation of competitors. In areas where narcotics are traded there are high incidences of gun related crimes. This trend is prevalent in Central America, South America, the inner cities of the USA and some Caribbean countries. Moreover, in Guyana the presence of illicit SALW in the community has resulted in a diffusion process; hence, the constant increase in gun crimes.
We have stringent gun control laws, yet there is a constant flow of illicit guns into our country. This demand is equally, driven by the inability of the state to guarantee adequate public safety and security. For example, in the hinterland regions, the law enforcement agencies are widely dispersed, thus, it is common for miners and farmers to acquire illicit SALW for personal protection from criminal elements and wildlife. This practice is also common in coastal regions where the emphasis is primarily on personal protection due to lackluster response by the police in times of emergency. Moreover, the procedure for firearm license application is bureaucratic, slothful and often disqualifies citizens who are genuinely vulnerable to crime the right to own legitimate firearms.
Given the current resources that are available to the law enforcement agencies and the length of our national borders (5510 KM inclusive of 459 KM coastline) it is difficult if not impossible to effectively discourage the importation of illicit guns. Unfortunately, the premier law enforcement agency, the GPF has dedicated the least resources to law enforcement activities along the frontier and hinterland regions (E & F Division). These divisions comprise over 70% of the Guyana’ landscape. The police stations within the division are isolated and have minimal resources to effectively enforce and maintain law. Most glaring, the police have limited mobility to continuously project their presence throughout the Divisions.
The role of the GPF is complemented by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the army, which maintains six bases along the frontier. However, the extent to which they are engaged in law enforcement activities are restricted by their role and authority. Furthermore, the downgrading of the reserve component of the GDF has denied the law enforcement agencies of a vital conduit for intelligence. The disposition of the reserve would have allowed for military presence throughout most communities; thus, enabling detection and interception of illegitimate activities.
Notwithstanding the presence of the Customs and Trade Administration at various ports of entry, illicit weapons continue to enter Guyana by air, land and sea. There are over 120 authorised hinterland airstrips that are not properly monitored and most are isolated. In addition, hinterland roads and the intermediate savannahs can be easily converted to temporary landing zones for small and light aircrafts. In addition, the country’s geography offers numerous points along the borders where individuals can cross without being detected. Also along Guyana’s coastline small boats can access appropriate landing points in every village.
Not only have the lack of resources, institutional capacity and limited intelligence facilitated the spread of illicit SALW, but also corrupt and inept public officials and law enforcement officers who enable the trade by failing to enforce the laws. Seemingly, in return for their services they are often rewarded by the traffickers.
The current strategy to combat illicit guns is highly biased in favour of legal actions, such as imposing custodial sentence or fining persons who breach the Firearms Act. However, the conviction rate of affluent citizens is extremely low; this probably is attributable to poor work done by the prosecution in return of financial favour or fear of being victimised. Given the aforementioned, the strategy should be more holistic and offer social and economic incentives to gravitate citizens from acquiring and using illicit SALW. Moreover, the strategy should simultaneously seek to address both supply reduction and demand reduction and should include capacity building of law enforcement agencies, support for collection and destruction of illicit SALW, good governance, sound social and economic development programmes, and public awareness programmes on the danger of illicit SALW.
 L A Saul

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