THE lucrative illegal firearm market is worth about $144 million, a parliamentary committee headed by Government man Keith Scotland revealed two months ago.
Various United States agencies have reported that powerful military-style weapons are illegally reaching the hands of Trinidad and Tobago civilians.
The US is assisting in the fight against gun trafficking, with trained officers of six agencies based at the American embassy in Port of Spain.
The US Department of Homeland Security led a crackdown in February that resulted in the seizure of 318 firearms, 314 magazines and 20,000 rounds of ammo.
The US currently has two top officials, including its Caribbean firearms coordinator, holding sensitive discussions in Port of Spain.
Last January Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked tough in Washington with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on firearms trafficking and other illegal activities.
A newspaper said last year that $129 million worth of sophisticated guns were seized in nine years.
Police officials say illegal guns are involved in 88 per cent of local murders.
There is a “guns rampage,” with modern Glock, Beretta, Luger and other high-tech weapons in the hands of violent bad boys.
So, what does the T&T Government do?
Bring legislation to limit the use of legal – yes, legal – guns.
The Firearms Control Bill will create gun-free zones, meaning the use of licensed firearms will not be permitted in the designated areas.
The legislation will also remove the discretion of the Police Commissioner to issue firearms licences.
There are several other landmark measures in the Bill, all aimed at legal guns and their legitimate owners.
There are no provisions to block the illegal importation of weapons, tighten Customs operations, fix port scanners, improve the criminal justice system – and other proven solutions.
“Disrupting illicit firearms trafficking” in T&T and the rest of the Caribbean is a priority, the US Embassy says, “to address rising levels of crime and violence.”
Don’t expect any such success in the legislation heading soon to Parliament.
Maybe one day the authorities will get it right.
