By Fareeza Haniff
![Some of the weapons handed over. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Gun-1.jpg)
During an inspection at the CID Headquarters of the firearms and ammunition handed over to the Police Force thus far, Minister Ramjattan described the amnesty period as a successful one given the fact that so far over 30 firearms and 1457 rounds have been surrendered.
When questioned, the Minister revealed that there is a “big lobby” to increase the penalty for the illegal possession of a firearm; however he has not considered whether he will table legislation to that effect.
“Quite frankly, I haven’t done anything to do any legislative arrangements with changing that because the law is pretty tough as it is,” Minister Ramjattan said.
![Some of the ammunition. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Ammo-1.jpg)
The Police Commissioner made it clear that if it is found that a weapon was used in the commission of a crime, the Police Force will not go after the person who surrendered the weapon.
Persaud explained that the person is only immune to prosecution of possession of illegal firearm.
“That person has absolute immunity, so they would not be prosecuted for possession of firearm. Immunity is only for the possession of the firearm, not for other crimes,” the Police Commissioner said.
![Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (left), Crime Chief Wendell Blanum and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Gun-visit.jpg)
The Prime Minister also pleaded with the Magistracy and Judiciary to take judicial notice of the prevalence of crime involving the use of firearms.
“There should be no discretion in imposing sentences under the law for illegal possession of firearm. As a judicial officer myself, I am of the view that our Courts must review granting of bail involving repeat offenders arraigned for illegal possession of firearm or the use of firearm in the execution of robberies,” the Prime Minister said.
He added, “The Firearms Amnesty opens the door to those with illegal firearms to come forward and surrenders their weapons. In the remaining days I hope to see the delivery of more weapons and that family members of holders of illegal weapons would plea with them to come clean. We all have a common duty to make our homes, our streets and our country safer. Say “NO” to illegal guns!”
Those guns are history,go behind ROGER K stash,he and his local sponsored police farce did not have batons. I do agree with you on protecting yourself,depending on the police is Zero, the only way these programs will work is when the Government deliverers its mandate, a thief man will not turn in his tool of trade.just like the family man who has only himself as police,judge,and security. Until the citizens are free from Crime and can dial 911 and get the service they deserve such programs will see very little results.
Very well said,its the only way,THANK YOU!!!
So if they doing forensic examination on the return of illegal guns,is there an incentive for these people to turn in a firearm?if someone find a gun in the street and turn it in and they found out this gun was used to kill someone then the same person who turn it in can be charge for the crime,how foolish these people are,why Nagga Man dont ask Corbin to turn in all the 55 guns that they took from the army when PNC was in government?he is the same one who use to call Corbin and the PNC murderer when he was with the PPP and suddenly them fool the ASS with some power and he forget about all what them did.
I fond it foolish to ask a blogger a stupid question like if he or she has food,I get the impression You are HUNGRY. Maybe you should be CONCERNED of looking inward,
this is the most foolish thing i have ever heard, let the minister tell the public how far he had to travel to get those guns , till at the border and ask the individual to give up their guns and come to town and proudly show them off. those rounds were always at the police. secondly the legal process is screwed up too. but any ways mr seelall and mr minister the jackass parade have to continue so do your thing.
MAXXFAX do you have food in your house???
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud explained that ballistic tests have been conducted on the weapons handed over, but they have not been linked to any crime. Seelall talking- Ramjattan talking- Nagamoottoo talking- they all talking trash. Laws are the for this already. Do these 3 clowns thinks that criminal whom commit crimes with their illegal firearms will step up and say here is my illegal firearm I kill 2 or 3 people while robbing them? There are lots of citizens with illegal weapons but will only use it to defend themselves family and property if attacked in their own homes and I dont blame them since no government cant defend them. These three PNC installed stooges must go after the guns the GDF loaned to PNC. These three installed stooges must go after those GDF guns that was so called stolen from the GDF. Get those guns and the perpetrators then citizens will say yep you doing something other than that you all are a bunch of reject waste.
To identify how stupid you are is not a smart thing to do,but if u stupid u stupid. It’s AMNESTY for firearms not for idots to turn themselves in. But its a progressive move by a proper Government so it’s expected to have the Ppp losers showing their true identity.
Criminals will get illegal guns if they really want to. The only effective way to fight crime is to keep criminals on the run by conducting regular sweeps in known criminal havens, and clean up the rogue cops in the police force.
James, if you read and comprehended the Police Commissioner’s statement, you will understand that the “Absolute Immunity” ONLY applies to the charge of possession of an illegal firearm. All other associated crimes will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. As Letel indicated, you will be charged with 1st Degree Murder.
Murder of course.
So now gentlemen , should I have an illegal firearm and just shoot someone and killed him and I surrender the weapon then I am not going to face any charge ????
It’s just sad that many of the persons who got these illegal guns get off scotch free.. plus there is immunity attached to them.. wow.. only afc/apnu govt capable of this.. but of course this group have some notorious lawyers that just manipulates the law to get some notorious criminals walk… “let’s see how the cookie crumbles”.