Andrew Wildes, Gleaner WriterThe Sunday Gleaner understands that the civilian body set up to govern the issuing of gun licences will soon become reality.
The Licensing Authority Board will be headed by former Jamaica Defence Chief of Staff Force Major-General John Simmons and its Appeals Tribunal by Mr. Cliance Walker. The names of the other members of the board are yet to be released.
Fear of the deadly surge in gun crimes and indignation at questionable practices relating to the processing of firearm licensing, evoked a public call for the establishment of a civilian gun licensing body over two years ago.
Neville Graham, director of public relations at the Ministry of National Security, said the board has been appointed, and would be meeting in mid-February.
USABLE PROFILE
Mr. Graham explained that the new board will take responsibilities from local police personnel in the issuing and licensing of firearms. "They [the board] will also assist in compiling a
database on all firearms issued it will entail having a usable
profile of all firearm users," he explained.
The police are currently
working with the board to transfer gun holders' information. All information on Kingston West, Kingston Central and St. Andrew has been transferred already.
The need for a civilian board arose in 2004 when allegations that police officers, Justices of the Peace and members of the clergy who were supposed to be gatekeepers to vouch for the character of persons applying for licences, were often acting in severe breach of the existing laws.
