1 arrested with illegal gun, other weapons seized at National Park J’ouvert

One day after the Guyana Police Force called for heightened security at future party events, its ranks were able to seize a number of weapons including an illegal firearm with matching ammunition at the J’ouvert held at the National Park in Georgetown.

Police reports revealed that at about 02:30h on Sunday, a rank on duty at the National Park observed two males who were fighting. This prompted the officer to approach them, after which he immediately observed a handgun that fell from the pants waist of one of the men.
The rank held unto the male whom the weapon fell from, after which the firearm was retrieved. It was examined and was observed to be a .32 pistol with one .32 live ammunition that was found in the chamber.
The suspect, whose name was withheld, told the Police that he is a 26-year-old porter and lives in Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
He was told of the offence committed and arrested. He was escorted to Alberttown Police Station and placed into custody.
The firearm and ammunition were marked, sealed, and lodged in the station. An investigation is in progress.
In a subsequent statement, Police said the discovery was made outside the National Park on Thomas Lands.
Meanwhile, several other weapons including scissors, knives, and improvised weapons were also seized by the Police at the event, where scanners were used at the entrance.
The items were detected on persons who were entering the National Park event Saturday night.
These discoveries come on the heels of another person being arrested in the wee hours of Saturday at another event in the National Park where several shots were fired in the air by multiple persons.
This was during the “Baderation” concert when dancehall artiste, Skeng, was performing.
Videos circulating on social media showed that in the midst of his performance, gunshots were fired by patrons attending the concert. There are no reports of anyone being injured by the gunshots but some persons sustained minor injuries after glass bottles were thrown in the crowd.
Following the incident, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken met with the organisers during which they discussed heightened security and strict compliance at future events. Hence, the scanners were installed at the J’ouvert later that day.
Some of the other issues discussed during that meeting related to the stakeholders’ approach – with promoters, members of the Fire Service, GRA, and the Police; increased Police posture in partnership with the Private Sector; prohibition of beverages in bottles (only plastic cups and bottles would be allowed); improved security search; metal detectors and scanners will be employed.
Hence, the scanners were installed at the J’ouvert.