GPF to implement stricter sanctions against security firms after fatal shooting incidents

In light of two deaths involving weapons owned by private security firms, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is looking to implement stricter sanctions against security companies.
This was according to Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, who on Thursday who stated that while many security firms assist to decrease Guyana’s crime rate, the senseless killing of young adults will not be tolerated.
On March 19, 2024, 24-year-old Ashanti Liverpool was riddled with bullets by her sister’s ex-boyfriend, who then shot himself.
Then on March 21, 18-year-old Jared Jagnandan, who was fatally wounded by a security guard at Shaf Auto Sales located at Lusignan West, East Coast Demerara.
However, Benn reiterated that neither of the incidents were ‘accidental’ in nature and as such, the firearms used in both incidents were confiscated.
The security firms were also ordered to provide the necessary training to the young security officers to properly use firearms which they are responsible for.
“If you are a trained security person and you have a precept, it could not be accidental”.
“The immediate response was the taking away of weapons and we are trying to find more reports to sanction them for their deficiencies,”
It is on this note, that he disclosed authorities are looking to implement stricter sanctions against private security firms.
“There have been more recent discussions through the Guyana Police Force with the security service providers in relation to the discipline, the hours of work, fatigue may be a problem and generally their readiness and responsible handling of weapons. In both cases we required immediate retraining,” Benn explained.
Shooting incident
It was reported that Liverpool’s body was riddled with bullets from an AR-15 Assault Rifle by Stephan Hope. Police had stated that the suspect who was later charged and remanded to prison went to a Chinese supermarket at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and collected the weapon with eight live rounds of ammunition.
The suspect reportedly told his coworker that the supervisor had sent him to collect the rifle which he used to commit the crime.
After the shooting, the suspect went to another supermarket, this time at Industry Railway Embankment and collected another AR-15 Rifle with six live matching rounds of ammunition from another colleague which he used to injure himself.
Concerning Jagnandan, the security officer claimed that he accidentally shot the young man in his left leg. The injured teen was taken to a private medical facility where he subsequently succumbed.
The 20-year-old security guard was arrested but was later released. The Guyana Times was unable to confirm the status of the case.