Beetham residents defend toy guns after CoP’s statement: We just having a blast

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Youths in Beetham Gardens say the gel blaster toy guns – which the Commissioner of Police took issue with in a release on Saturday – are only being used to play "war games" in their community.

While they agreed with CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher's statement that realistic-looking gel blaster toy guns should be banned, they stressed that the "wars" they engage in with these toys are simply a harmless and fun pastime.

On December 28 Harewood-Christopher, in a statement, cautioned the public on the misuse of gel blaster toy guns.

She stated that the misuse of these toys posed potential threats to public safety and emphasised that toys resembling real firearms were prohibited.

"The indiscriminate use of such devices, especially in public spaces or towards unsuspecting individuals is dangerous.

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"The public is reminded that using any item, whether real or imitation, to threaten, intimidate, or harm others constitutes a criminal offence under the laws of TT."

She urged members of the public to exercise responsibility and restraint when handling items that have the appearance of a weapon.

"Parents and guardians are also encouraged to supervise minors and educate them on the potential consequences of misusing these devices.

"While fun and play are important aspects of childhood, they must always be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and awareness of potential risks."

Beetham residents: We just wanna have fun

Newsday visited Beetham Gardens on December 29 and spoke to several residents who were playing with the toy guns.

An 18-year-old who spoke on the condition on anonymity said he understood if the CoP banned the realistic looking ones, but said that the younger people in the area were just trying to have fun.

"She rather we pick up real guns?" he asked.

He said the gel blaster gun "wars" started early in December and spread quickly throughout the community.

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"It does be bout 100 people playing at a time sometimes and is anywhere and any time.

"Now it so big that people coming in cars, trucks and doing drive-bys with the gel guns."

Asked whether this game could escalate into real-life violence, he said, "It could, but that is why we only play within the community.

"The real-life gang wars and going in different areas is a no.

"Nobody that playing this game coming out their community to go in another area to shoot a man with a gel gun."

A 19-year-old resident said this game has brought the community closer.

"It bringing all the youths and families together, because is children and adults playing it."

He said while most of the younger community sees it as fun, elderly people do not.

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"They would be glad if they banned it. It's because they don't like the noise that is made when we are playing."

Asked if he believes these "wars" can escalate, he said, "Somebody could take it serious. It depends on who the individual is.

"For most, it is just fun they having, but for others they might take it personal."

He too agreed that realistic-looking gel guns should be prohibited.

Other men in Beetham Gardens said that the CoP was trying to stop the fun and it should be Customs and Excise prohibiting the importation of the gel blaster toys at ports of entry.

Newsday understand these toy gun prices range from $250-800.

The 18-year-old said he got two gel blasters for $700 in Port of Spain.

The gel blaster toy guns also come equipped with chargers, a battery and protective wear for the eyes.

Gel blasters are designed to resemble real guns, including models like the M4 carbine, AK-47, and Glock 19.

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The realistic appearance of some can make them difficult to distinguish from actual weapons, especially in public settings.

They shoot small gel beads that expand in water, with packets of 1,000 beads costing around $10 at toy stores.

Newsday has also seen the gel gun "wars" being played in Sea Lots. These "wars" are often streamed live on social media sites and hundreds of people can be seen participating in the game.

Laws around the issue

The regulation of toy guns falls under several pieces of law focused on guns and public safety.

This includes the Firearms Act (Chap. 16:01) that governs the possession, use and importation of guns and ammunition.

While gel blasters are not firearms, models that are realistic may be restricted under this act.

The public has raised questions on how realistic gel blasters are imported into the country.

The Customs Act regulates the importation of goods but does not mention "toy guns". It does provide powers to prohibit the importation of goods that are deemed harmful or illegal.

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Realistic-looking gel blasters and other imitation guns can be seized by custom officials.

The Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act (Chap. 11:25) also regulates the importation of dangerous or potentially harmful items.

While it is primarily focused on drugs, it also includes provisions for controlling the importation of items that could pose public safety threats.

The act could be invoked in cases where imitation guns or toy guns that resemble real weapons are suspected of being used to facilitate illegal activities.

The Public Order Act also includes provisions that can be invoked if any object, including imitation firearms, is used in a manner that may cause fear, harm or intimidation in public spaces.