Miners and dredge owners gets “no objection” for firearm licenses- Home Affairs Minister.

Georgetown- “The ministry’s interest in seeking to support the mining community, particularly, as it relates to security, is evident in the many meetings convened at the ministry and other levels, in the past. The ministry wishes to clarify that it does not issue firearm licenses, but is involved in the process leading up to the approval of firearm licenses. More importantly, the ministry is not in possession of applications for firearm licences from miners, submitted through the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association to the ministry, for its consideration,” Rohee said in the statement. He added that over the last three years, it issued “no objection” for firearm licenses for approximately 35 miners/or dredge owners, some of whom live on the coastland, but work in the interior. “This amount does not include those approvals that would have been issued by the Guyana Police Force, independently,” the minister said. He added that it is to be noted that in some instances, multiple licenses were issued, ie, for both handgun and shotgun. “The ministry wishes to assure the mining community of its commitment to providing the highest level of security, possible, and welcomes the interest of miners to be integrally involved in this process.” Rohee's comments came in light of the continued crime in interior locations and the serious need for improved security at mining camps.