DR. ST. AUBYN Bartlett, Opposition Member of Parliament for St. Andrew eastern, has called for the removal of the Jamaica Rifle Association's shooting range on Mountain View Avenue in his constituency.
"With the social problems of gun crimes and murder occurring in the Mountain View area, with much more frequency than can ever be considered desirable, how can we sanction a gun-shooting range in the Top Range/Mountain Terrace area of Mountain View?" Dr. Bartlett asked while making his contribution to the 2004/2005 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday.
He added: "Some are saying that the shooting range was there before the development came, but the development around the shooting range is not comprised of informal settlers but a structured development built by the Government."
Dr. Bartlett argued that it was time that the laws be amended to ensure that shooting ranges are only located away from residential communities with adequate buffer zones.
"My constituents have related their discomfort with having their rest disturbed by constant gunfire from the rifle range," he said.
He added: "I know that some of our members of this Honourable House as well as other very influential and highly placed individuals use this facility, but I urge the Minister responsible to let good sense prevail and for the sake of the national security and the comfort of the residents, relocate this shooting range."
