INTLWEAPONLAW

To: Kwame Christian, Esq.
From: Zauntre Dyer, Intern
Date: 23rd July 2015
Re: Firearm Regulation in Guyana
Firearm Regulation in Guyana
Issue
What are the legal requirements to carry a weapon in Guyana? Are these laws different
for a security company wishing to obtain weapons as a matter of business? What is the process to
legally import weapons?
Legal Requirements for Carrying a Weapon
The type of firearm regulation in Guyana is categorized as “restrictive.”1 A “restrictive”
control system makes it more difficult for persons to acquire a firearm, with the intent to reduce
gun violence.2 Under a “permissive” gun control system, any person can buy a firearm so long as
he/she is not prohibited by certain classifications (i.e. underage, criminal history, drug abuser).3
1 Alpers, Philip and Marcus Wilson.2015.Guyana — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law. GunPolicy.org,10 June.
http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/guyana

“Restrictive” regulations are the opposite, in that no person can purchase a weapon without
meeting certain qualifications and rules.4 In Guyana, the acquisition and possession of a weapon
is limited to those who are lawfully licensed to carry.5 To obtain a gun license, one must:
 present a genuine purpose for acquiring a weapon, (i.e. hunting, collection, personal
protection, security)
 be at least 18 years of age
 pass a background check of one’s criminal and mental history.6
Due to the restrictive system in place, there are no differentiating circumstances for acquiring
weapons to conduct business, such as your security service.7 The desire to carry out a business
venture is rather required to be considered for a gun license. Anyone who plans to carry a
weapon must register with the Ministry of Home Affairs to first obtain a license.8 This is where
things differ, with consideration to applicants who are not native to Guyana. To obtain a firearm
license, non-national applicants must:
 be resident in Guyana for a period of one (1) year, prior to submitting application
 be the holder of a valid passport
 be the holder of a valid visa and work permit
8 Ministry of Home Affairs | Republic of Guyana." Ministry of Home Affairs | Republic of Guyana.
http://www.moha.gov.gy/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=28&Itemid=89

 submit a Certificate of Character (police clearance) from country of birth or last
country of residence.9
It is imperative that every individual carefully meets these regulations, for unlawful possession
of a weapon in Guyana poses a maximum jail sentence of 10 years plus a fine.10 With expert
legal knowledge and experience, as well as native-ties to the country of Guyana, our team at The
Christian Law Office can help protect all business individuals from these legal risks.
Types of Guns Permitted
The types of guns permissible to carry are handguns (pistols and revolvers), rifles and
shotguns.11 12 The law does not allow the use of fully automatic firearms, firearms that fire
noxious liquid or gas, sawn-off shotguns or converted imitation firearms (replicas turned real).13
Licensed gun owners in Guyana are permitted to carry one (1) gun, yet there is no limit to
the amount of ammunition.14 Owners may apply for a second gun license two years after
acquiring the first gun license.15

How to Import Firearms
To import firearm(s), you must consult the Ministry of Commerce to obtain the “Import
Permit” necessary for the importation of weapons.16 17 After applying for a permit, a “Customs
C72 Declarations Form” is endorsed by the Commissioner of Police and submitted to the Guyana
Revenue Authority (GRA) for processing. Importation laws state that:
 No firearms or ammunition shall be imported by sea or air except at a prescribed
port or at a prescribed aerodrome.
 All firearms and ammunition imported by land shall be deposited at the police
station nearest to the point at which the Guyana frontier was crossed by the person
in control of such firearm or ammunition.
 When the arms and ammunition arrive in Guyana it is detained by GRA and
stored by the Police until the relevant documentation for clearance is produced.18
It is very important that all weapons are first recorded by the police and registered to a specific
user, before they are carried in society. Otherwise, the carrier is subject to severe legal penalty.
Where We Step In
Conducting business that involves weapons requires thorough expertise and knowledge
of the law. Guyana’s regulations on acquiring and carrying guns are strict, and the penalties for
violating these laws are costly. Our licensed advisors are here to build this project with you from
16 Alpers, Philip and Marcus Wilson. 2015.Guyana — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law. GunPolicy.org,10 June.
17 Ministry of Legal Affairs.Chapter 16:05. PartII: Supervision of Importation of Firearms and Ammunition.
http://legalaffairs.gov.gy/information/laws-of-guyana/904-chapter-1605-firearms
18 Ministry of Legal Affairs.Chapter 16:05. PartII: Supervision of Importation of Firearms and Ammunition.
http://legalaffairs.gov.gy/information/laws-of-guyana/904-chapter-1605-firearms

the ground up. By ensuring that all individuals qualify to own a security weapon, and pinpointing
the proper steps to obtain the firearms, we will help your operation run without interruption, loss
of finance, or personal freedom. The Christian Law Office is readily able to service your every
need in starting, and protecting, your up-and-coming security service.

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