Invoking the wrath of the APNU-AFC Gov’t and for what reason?

Apr 06, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
The budget is now over. We are now faced with the harsh reality of several increases of licenses fee. The one that concerned me the most is the increase of fire arm license fee from $5,000 to $25, 000, a whopping 500% increase for a handgun. What in the world the holders of this instrument of security done to incur the wrath of the APNU/AFC Government. This increase speaks of violence and vengeance against the business men/women of this country who are holder a license fire arm.
Why 500% increase. This instrument of security sits with us or in a secure corner and doesn’t bring in a cent when the year is up. It is not a luxury nor a privilege but a necessity for the protection and our survival. With all the taxes we are already paying, the Guyana Police Service is incapable of guaranteeing us protection. Let us not forget the period when over 6000 businessmen were killed and robbed.
The police were virtually helpless. Many businesses closed down and owners migrated. In fact about 30 police men lost their lives during this period. The remaining were even afraid for their own lives much less to protect us. During this period, many Police Stations had big padlock on their gates. The Business community and the country at large were virtually left on their own. The brave business men and women step forward with the help of the then government. All we ask for was firearm to help secure our lives. We made tremendous sacrifice for our survival. Many still lost their lives and property due to the unprecedented crime that invaded our country.
Today we are no less vulnerable. Crime is still a big deterrent to our business climate. The police still cannot guarantee us safety. We still have big expenses installing security cameras and grills to our homes and businesses. The APNU/AFC Government is fully aware of our plight. Mr. Granger himself promise to make Guyana safe. To murder us with 500% increase on this license can be considered an indictment against the APNU/AFC Government. The Business community that supported the collation never bargain for this kind of vengeance.
This leaves us worried as to what next is there to come. I remember when Guyana had transportation crises in the 80’s., the late President Hoyte give duty-free concession to anyone who brought in vehicles for this purpose. The crises came to a swift end. Similar policy is needed to solve our crime situation. I would expect more responsible individual from various community to be granted firearm and to work closely with the Police. It is no secret that criminals have a harder time penetrating some communities or dare risk doing so where arm response is likely to be high. I hope President Granger will relook at these misstep for surely it has created a poor impression of his administration’s ability to initiate policies to protect the vulnerable business community. This move is a big slap in the face of all license firearm holders
Concerned Businessman

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