GuySuCo accuses NICIL-SPU of illegally in possession of its guns

Jul 04, 2019 News

The tensions between two state entities- the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)– and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited/Special Purpose Unit (NICIL/SPU), is continuing unabated.

Rose Hall estate, East Berbice

GuySuCo is in charge of three of the country’s sugar estates while NICIL/SPU was handed responsibilities to divest and privatize four others.
However, over the past year, a public spat has been ongoing with the Cabinet of Ministers reportedly getting involved.
Yesterday, in the latest salvo, GuySuCo claimed that arms and ammunition which were acquired and issued to its Security Department as part of its resources to execute its mandate, are now “unlawfully” in the possession of the NICIL-SPU.
“These arms and ammunitions are located at the Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates and are currently being unlawfully used by representatives and agents of NICIL-SPU.”
GuySuCo claimed that these estates were vested in December of 2017, and since then NICIL-SPU has been refusing to return the firearms and ammunitions.
NICIL/SPU has been arguing that the weapons were vested as a part of Skeldon and Rose Hall Estates.
GuySuCo refutes this.
“The Corporation would like to inform NICIL-SPU that firearms cannot be vested; and these weapons are licensed exclusively to the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc.
“Under the Laws of Guyana, Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05, Section 16 (1) it states that ‘subject to this Act, no person shall purchase, acquire or have in his possession any firearm or ammunition to which this Part applies unless he holds a firearm licence in force at the time’.”
GuySuCo said that several months ago, it reported to the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities but is still awaiting the return of the firearms and ammunitions.
“The Corporation is requesting that the relevant authorities act speedily to ensure that the weapons and ammunitions are returned.
The Corporation, its officers, employees, servants and agents shall not be liable for any injuries, loss of life, damage to property or any other claims resulting from the use and/or misuse of the said firearms and ammunitions at the abovementioned two estates from 31 December, 2017 to the date when they are returned to the corporation’s possession.”