About 250 firearm licenses to be granted to Indigenous communities – President announces 

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that some 250 firearm licenses should be granted to persons in indigenous communities soon after requests were made for increased security support.

“Security is very important, and we had about 250 requests from the leaders and other village elders or persons recommended from the villages for firearm licenses, mostly for the protection of the villages. And (I am) pleased to tell you today that every one of those applications was processed and you will get those licenses,” President Ali said at the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference 2025.

Additionally, President Ali said the government “will invest in bringing more business and entrepreneurial opportunities, marketing and product development for your tourism.”

He also said, “We want to set aside specific resources under the Ministry of Tourism, for hinterland marketing and promotion, people tourism. And other tourism facilities will have a direct marketing budget separate and apart from the rest of the country.”

At the end of his lengthy presentation, the Guyanese Head of State noted that other announcements will be made throughout the week as the conference continues.