FLA urged to make "full disclosure" on controversial gun licensing decisions

The Board of Jamaica’s Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) is facing a call to provide full disclosure following news that last year it granted licences to applicants who had been denied by the previous Board.

RJR News was informed that the applications were denied after adverse traces were found during investigations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

It's reported that some of the applicants were found to be involved in lottery scamming, murders and gun running, but nevertheless, without any appeal by the applicants or any new information, the applications were revisited and approval granted.

Robert Gregory, former Chairman of the FLA, has declared that the claims warrant a detailed explanation from the agency's Board, on the assumption that it had found “some new evidence or some basis sufficiently for them to so do.”

He said, given the high level of gun crimes prevailing in the society, “this very crucial public organization, which has the responsibility for regulating the issuing of licences for firearms,” should explain to the public why those decisions were reversed, “just to maintain the credibility of the institution.

Opposition

The Parliamentary Opposition has also weighed in on the matter, with Peter Bunting, its Spokesman on National Security, calling for action to be taken against the Board as, according to him, there appears to be a breakdown in systems at the Firearm Licensing Authority.

Describing the scenario outlined as "a great threat to our national security," he stressed that "if these allegations are proved to be true then heads must roll!"

RJR News has also been informed that incensed members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force have written to the Police High Command about one application in particular. The application, which was denied in 2015 by the previous board, was reportedly approved last year.

According to police investigations, the individual was found to be a major suspect in the lottery scam and was involved in a motor vehicle stealing ring.

The JCF members, in their letter, revealed that the man was arrested this year for illegal possession of  a firearm. They said the weapon is being matched to spent casings from a triple murder case.

As a result, they have appealed to the High Command to speak to the FLA about revoking the licence.

The High Command has reportedly written to the FLA on the issue.

Meanwhile, RJR News has been informed that some members of the FLA Board met on Thursday to discuss the matter. 

FLA Statement

In a statement issued on Thursday night, the FLA said, as part of its due diligence process, the police are always contacted and highly confidential information received from time to time. 

It said the information is highly sensitive and not shared with the public.    

The FLA added that it constantly reviews its processes and updates its information system and intelligence gathering on firearm holders and applicants.

It said, in keeping with its thrust for accountability and transparency, it has embarked on an enforcement drive to ensure that it can account for all firearms and their holders.

According to the FLA, the drive has resulted in firearms that were not previously registered on its database or ballistically tested, now being captured.  

It said it is not its policy to speak publicly on individual applicants or firearm holders, based on the need to protect the privacy and security of  the individual.