Review of non-lethal gun licensing underway – Home Affairs Minister

In light of a recent incident where a fifth grader was found with a loaded firearm at a city school, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond stated that a review of firearm licensing – specifically for non-lethal weapons – is currently underway.
Late last month, the child was caught with the firearm belonging to a relative. Investigators later confirmed that the weapon was a 9mm Taurus pistol bearing serial number ACT 282510, along with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of matching ammunition.
During questioning, the child stated that on March 3, 2026, he had visited a cousin’s home in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), where he was given the firearm and instructed to place it in his brother’s car. Instead, he wrapped the weapon, placed it in his haversack, returned home, and later took it to school.
It was later established that the owner of the firearm, a manager attached to Guyana Power and Light (GPL), related that he discovered the weapon missing from his safe one day before the incident.
Despite an extensive search with the help of family members, it could not be found. Investigations are ongoing.
“The issue of having a licence, as mentioned, in relation to the incident with a child who had access to a licensed weapon is a serious matter. When you are licensed to own a firearm, it must always be kept on your person or securely stored in a place where you have full control and visibility. This represents a serious breach of the conditions of that licence. That is separate from the non-lethal regime, which is still under review,” Walrond noted.
According to the Minister, the Ministry is currently in the advanced stages of reviewing measures to facilitate the issuance of non-lethal or less-lethal firearms.
“So, what we are speaking about is looking at the issuance of non-lethal or less-lethal firearms instead of lethal firearms. Some people may feel the need for protection but do not necessarily require a lethal weapon. That is the regime we are examining, and it is currently in an advanced stage of review.”
When asked whether the current system adequately scrutinises individuals granted licences for lethal firearms, the Minister maintained that strict procedures are already in place.
“The law requires strict scrutiny of every single applicant, and this is what my office continues to enforce. You will not find reports of licences being issued arbitrarily. Each application is carefully reviewed and thoroughly vetted,” he stated.