THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE PIECE done by your Senior Associate Editor, Lloyd Williams on Sunday January 4, 2004 is both well written and well timed. I am writing to support his stance.
To put it bluntly your Senior Associate Editor is right on the ball with his piece. There was a time that it was a privilege for a citizen to have a gun (it used to be a few people with connections and money). All that has now changed since the police decided to turn it into a money-making enterprise. I am by no means suggesting that we return to those days, but for God's sake put proper mechanisms in place to ensure that the people who get a licence are qualified and are conversant with the basic principles of firearm handling, and the antiquated Firearms Act of 1967.
I believe that the Jamaica Rifle Association should lend itself to the citizens of this country who hold legal firearms, they could probably establish chapters in each county, and allow every citizen to become a member (instead of being a private/exclusive club) and that would help the person to prepare himself for the challenges he/she will face on the roads, and when to respond or not to respond, and what are your responsibilities as a firearm holder. The issuing of certificates of competence should be done by them or the person in charge of training at Twickenham Park Academy.
I have seen people who, the first time they have ever held a gun was when they went to buy it after getting the permit, they don't know anything about the weapon they are buying. I believe that the politicians should have a vested interest in seeing that people with licensed firearms practise and maintain the highest standards of safety.
There are too many undesirables with licensed firearms.
I am, etc.,
DAVID ANDREWS
zeltjko@yahoo.com
Rock Hall
St. Andrew
Via Go-Jamaica
