I have been involved with guns since the late 60s and early 70?s as a young P.C. in Belize. My involvement with guns continued through the Vietnam War and subsequently in several law enforcement agencies, and presently as a private investigator in New York.

My experience has led me to the conclusion that guns kill. Packing a gun to the untrained mind of an ordinary citizen is euphoric and exudes a sense of omnipotence and machismo. Throw in alcohol in the mix and a simple beef becomes a big deal. People, both shooters and targets, become victims to the psychological power of the gun. In the absence of a gun, some harsh words may be exchanged and perhaps a few blows. In the morning, the perpetrators might not have even remembered what the beef was about.

The solution to the many gun deaths in Belize is simple. Limit the numbers of licenses issued for guns and provided psychological testing for all licensees before they are granted carry licenses; increase the penalty for carrying illegal guns.

Please express my sympathies to the parents (both shooters and deceased) of the victims of this horrific crime. They are all victims. I know Efrain Aguilar, the father of one of the accused. I went to school with him at SJC. I am sure he is a good father that loves his son. Despite that, the gun claimed him as victim, too.

Moses X Benguche