Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
THE MINISTRY of National Security yesterday instructed Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas to immediately recall all unused and not-yet-issued firearm licence booklets, as the new independent licensing regime comes into effect.
In a statement yesterday, the National Security Ministry said that, effective immediately, the Jamaica Constabulary Force would no longer issue firearm licences and permits.
The move came as the Firearm Licensing Authority, first announced by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke in his 2004 Throne Speech, held its first meeting last Friday.
"The meeting was called to chart a way forward as Government seeks to bring efficiency and integrity to the process of issuing firearm licences and users permits," the National Security Ministry statement said.
Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the National Security Ministry, has requested that the appropriate authorities obtain information on all firearm user's licences currently being processed, and submit them to the Firearm Licensing Authority within 10 working days.
Yesterday Karl Angell, the JCF's communications officer, said most of the documents requested by the Firearm Licensing Authority, have already been handed over.
Mr. Scott, meanwhile, has also instructed the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to immediately cease the collection of firearm fees until further notice.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Leon Rose, said yesterday that the appointment of an independent body should make the process more transparent and that it should also remove the stigma of cops selling firearm licences and permits.
"We have no objection whatsoever in its removal as, if the perception (of cops selling licences and permits) is out there, let it be corrected," ACP Rose said. "A level of transparency will flow from this and bring credibility to the process."
The board of the Firearm Licensing Authority is headed by former Jamaica Defence Force officer, Major General John Simmonds.
The National Security Ministry said yesterday that the committee's role was to bring "efficiency and integrity to the process of issuing firearm licences and users permits."
In the past, there have been allegations of policemen illegally selling firearm licences and permits. But ACP Rose, who is also president of the Police Officers Association, said there have been no recent dismissals for such an offence.
