NICHOLSON
JUSTICE MINISTER A.J. Nicholson said yesterday that he found comments made in Parliament on Wednesday by Opposition Spokesman on Justice, Delroy Chuck, very disturbing.
Mr. Chuck, during a debate on amendments to the Firearms Act, said he did not believe the Jamaican society could be disarmed and expected to act like "lambs to the slaughter".
According to him, "The only way we can respond to them (gunmen) in this country is to meet fire with fire."
"People must know, gunmen must know, that when they enter people's houses, that they will get some good licks," Mr. Chuck said.
Mr. Nicholson was, however, not the least bit impressed, saying the adoption of a 'vigilante' or 'Wild West' approach to justice would eventually result in a cure that is worse than the affliction.
"While it may appear appealing and attractive to advocate 'fighting fire with fire', this approach certainly does not represent the official policy of this government," the Justice Minister and Attorney-General said. He noted, however, that "Obviously, every citizen is entitled to defend himself appropriately in the face of an attack or serious threat of attack."
IN SUPPORT OF THE FORCES OF LAW
According to Mr. Nicholson, initiatives being taken by citizens of all walks of life and institutions such as the Church and other bodies to mobilise the society in support of the forces of law and order, and to condemn those engaged in or supporting lawlessness and violence, must be encouraged.
"It must be remembered, however, that the ultimate objectives are the maintenance of law and order and respect for the rule of law and for those who are authorised to enforce it," said the Justice Minister. "These objectives cannot be achieved by encouraging a countervailing and indiscriminate use of force or an increase in the amount of weaponry at large in the society."
He urged the Opposition, both in and outside Parliament, to ensure that indignation, however righteous, does not lead to the making of statements that could be misinterpreted to be detrimental to the objective, which he said was to maintain a society governed strictly by the rule of law.
Meanwhile, prior to the passing of the act, gun licences were issued at police divisions islandwide. Under the new regime, all applicants would have to satisfy the licensing authority that they are fit and proper persons to quality for a licence, and would have to demonstrate a genuine need to
be armed.
