In a significant move to address public safety concerns, Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has proposed a shift toward non-lethal weapons as an alternative to firearms. Speaking on Thursday, Jagdeo emphasized the need for the government and citizens to consider issuing permits for non-lethal weapons instead of traditional firearms. He questioned whether a more liberal approach to licensing non-lethal tools could meet the demand for personal protection without the risks associated with lethal arms. Jagdeo highlighted the overwhelming number of firearm licence requests received during community visits, with an estimated 50,000 applications currently pending. He suggested implementing stricter criteria for firearm licences to ensure responsible ownership. Additionally, Jagdeo stressed the importance of eliminating corruption in the licensing process, particularly the perception that bribes can secure permits. He called for a collective societal effort to address these issues, stating that the government is committed to resolving the matter decisively.