THE EDITOR, Sir:RECENTLY I read that plans were under way to reform the issuing of firearms licenses and ammunition.
As a holder of a licensed firearm I have to agree with the fact that firearms have been issued to several people who have no right to have one.
I agree that there has to be some action taken against persons involved in fabricating clean records (which are necessary for unqualified applicants) but this should not be actions that affect the law-abiding citizens on a whole.
It is also proposed to further limit the amount of ammunition that can be issued.
I must point out that in my opinion this will only make matters worse. As it is, some licensed firearms owners are unable to practise on a regular basis.
Limited to a maximum of 50 rounds per annum and sometimes less can only lead to the inability to practise and make the holders vulnerable and, in effect, the firearm then becomes a liability.
Criminals have a seemingly endless supply of ammunition. If the criminals are unrestricted and are free to use any firearm and have unlimited rounds why should we be subjected to being treated in this way?
It is my belief that if the law-abiding citizens of this country were allowed the access to practise and become proficient in the use of the firearms that they legally hold it would be more help for the already inundated Security Forces and lead to the apprehension and recovery of more illegal firearms and their holders.
I hope the powers that be will take these views into consideration.
I am, etc
LICENSED FIREARM-HOLDER
Montego Bay
Via Go-Jamaica
