Persons recommended to FLA board to pass “fit and proper” criteria

The announcement was made yesterday by Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the FLA remained at the centre of  allegations of  impropriety in the issuing of  gun permits.

 Holness said the new vetting system has been discussed by the National Security Council.

 

”And we discussed and approved  a new and more in-depth system of vetting of persons and the FLA and of customs as well. We also considered and approved the changing of the requirements to serve on the FLA board and anyone who is recommended must pass the fit and proper criteria ….” 



He was speaking at a ceremony to break ground for the new Stony Hill Police Station in St. Andrew.

There have been claims and counterclaims by the head of  the FLA, Shane Dalling, and former deputy chairman, Dennis Meadows, that licences were granted under suspicious circumstances and in some cases to people with criminal backgrounds

And the Prime Minister has announced that the Firearm Licensing Authority is to provide funds for the recently launched "Get Every Illegal Gun" campaign.

The government is setting up the 250 million dollar scheme to provide incentives. 

“The FLA will give the first provisioning of the get every illegal gun fund of J$25 million … I urge every Jamaican - if you know who have di gun - even if you suspect it - call di numbers - call dem,” the Prime Minister stated. 

Earlier this month   Holness disclosed that between $250,000 and $500,000 will be paid to persons who provide information on illegal guns.