HOW THE GUN SPREE AFFECTING NEW CoP

THE widespread availability of legal guns and ammunition could be impacting the currently vacant post of Commissioner of Police. 

The revelations of thousands of gun licences being granted and of some applicants having up to five firearms could be a factor being weighed by the Police Service Commission (PSC). 

The PSC has been tardy in filling the vacancy left by the end of the three-year term of Commissioner Gary Griffith. 

Griffith has been appointed acting commissioner while the authorities go through the legislative process. 

Senior government officials are reportedly unhappy about the large number of licences being granted and the fact that some applicants have been permitted to own several firearms. 

A shock newspaper expose last Sunday in the midst of the CoP procedure “is not a coincidence,” an informed source said. 

CounterPunchTT has reported that the Government has concerns, for various reasons, about re-appointing Griffith as top cop. 

Even the usually clammed-up former acting Commissioner Stephen Williams has stepped forward to denounce the number of guns licences as “raw craziness”. 

There have been reports of high-powered guns being in the hands of people – including businessmen and professionals – who did not undergo the requisite training. 

Senior police official Christian Chandler was recently allegedly found with several guns and rounds of ammunition. 

The number of firearm licences being granted by the Police Service has led to a thriving gun shop business. 

The daily newspaper quoted an unnamed for Chief of Defence Staff as describing the availability of certain gun and ammunition firepower as “absolute madness.” 

The newspaper said that certain police officers were being paid $5,000 and more for fast-tracking of gun licences. 

The next day two officers were charged for similar offences. 

For months, there have been whispers about the proliferation of guns and ammunition in a country that, for years, has been battling a deadly gun culture. 

A recent international report said Trinidad and Tobago is, per capita, one of the most crime-prone in the world. 

Various countries have issued serious travel advisories to their citizens about gun crimes in T&T.