Shyne Explains His Position on Gun Licenses

Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow has been candid in his position on the issuance of gun licenses, as well as the resulting scandal involving the Belize Police Department.  While he has been very vocal on the matter, as someone who has been convicted and served time for a firearm offence in another jurisdiction, he too has been granted a gun license in Belize.  Some may say it’s hypocritical, but Barrow explains his point of view on the matter.

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I have never been convicted in Belize, I’ve never been arrested in Belize.  At the time that Commissioner Whylie gave me the license and every time subsequently, that Commissioner Williams renewed my license, I was under no suspicion of any criminal activity and everyone can agree that I’ve led a law-abiding life.  The one incident that I’ve ever been arrested and charged, and convicted for was an incident in which I was defending myself. So I have nothing against people that want to protect themselves.  I have nothing against people that have reformed and rehabilitated and in the wisdom of the Minister of Police, Commissioner of Police, they feel there is no indication that this person having a license would be a threat to society.  What I have a problem with is people paying the police for license.  That is bribery, that is corruption and it is rampant right now. There is no evidence that I paid for mine or I asked the minister to write the ComPol to instruct them to give me anything.  I was ambassador for the Government of Belize and there was no indication that I was involved in any such activity and that me having a weapon would pose a threat to society.”