In this gun debate let's not shoot from the lip

Friday, August 05, 2011

There is merit in the arguments advanced by both sides in the current debate on relaxing the rules governing the ownership of licensed firearms, at the behest of Mr Errol Strong's Firearms Licensing Authority.

Those opposed make a strong case that ownership of a gun carries with it a great degree of responsibility and that licensed firearm holders are often the target of criminal gunmen eager to increase their armoury.

One teacher with whom the Observer spoke last week made another significant point that there is already a heavy gun culture in the country that has had a negative effect on the minds of the young.

"There are already too many guns in our society, and I think bringing more into the mainstream would only make matters worse," the teacher said. Other opponents of the gun lobby have also raised the issue of temperament, fearing that if more people were armed the country would experience an increase in shootings.

For example, bad driving and discourtesy on our roads are so rampant that riled up motorists, it is conceivable, could resort to gun violence, if they were carrying a firearm at the time. They point to the case of the X6 shooting incident in which a 17-year-old Kingston College student was killed when an enraged driver allegedly opened fire at a taxicab which had hit his expensive high-end vehicle. Same thing goes for someone who is robbed of a parking space after a long wait. These things happen elsewhere. The gun lobbyists, on the other hand, make an equally compelling case, arguing that too many people are defenceless in the face of growing acts of violence committed by armed thugs.

If criminals know that people had the ability to defend themselves they would think twice about their actions, the lobbyists claim, adding that training in self-defence and the use of firearms is essential to their proposal for a relaxing of the legislation.

There are, of course, many studies from other jurisdictions that provide data supporting the arguments raised by both sides in this debate. And those data, we expect, will eventually be highlighted as this issue is further ventilated. We feel, though, that any decision taken by the authorities on this matter should be influenced by facts relative to Jamaica rather than emotion. For instance, how many licensed firearm holders are held up and/or killed and robbed of their guns each year? How many acts of violence are prevented by licensed firearm holders? How often does the mere sight of a firearm discourage an attacker? How many cases of accidental shootings by owners legal firearms have been recorded? And what level of training are the owners of licensed firearms exposed to?

These are some of the questions that need to be answered before any decision is taken either way on this matter. For as we said, valid points have been raised by both sides.

The police, we suspect, should have some of this data, but there is need for a wider and more detailed study devoid of the dangers of advocacy research.

POST A COMMENT

You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.

COMMENTS (26)

e h
8/8/2011

I suspect Mr. Strong new thinking, is driven more about FLA income, than willing to arm citizens.
Mr. Strong was one of the more ardent spokesman against widespread Firearm ownership. I thought he was the wrong person for the FLA job.
FLA is an agency that should never have been or if it was, it should be a one or two man, civilian, oversight body to vet JCF issuance of Firearm Permits. Too many persons earning money out of every bit of official paper Jamaican Citizens need.

Chipmunk L.
8/8/2011

Everyone capable of learning to safely use and care for a firearm should be given the opportunity. If that person is not a felon and of sound mind and posses the skill to safely use such firearm after competent training. The criminals are fearless knowing that the good people are at their mercy. The Police cannot be everywhere at the same time thereby becoming a reactionary force.
It is time for the bad guys to know fear as we do.
The meek will not inherit the Earth without a fight!

e h
8/6/2011

LOL I meant 'god fearing' but "god fairing" will work too considering the subject matter.^_^

Nejeeper KNG
8/6/2011

Every issue doesn’t have to be politicized. You read a comment and instantly seen the bias and favoritism in political preferences. This is about gun ownership and it doesn’t matter which party is in power law abiding citizen should have the rights to own a licensed firearm. This is not a JLPNP issue this is a Jamaican issue.

Nejeeper KNG
8/6/2011

I believe that most Jamaicans on these blogs means well however some of us are using what should be a dynamic platform to showcase material things. Believe me when I say that politicians are watching they might not be taking heed. Patriotic people who care for country don’t put political parties in front of country. We support a party even if they are not taking the country in the right direction; such persons are a part of the problem. They don't vote for country they vote for the party. SAD.

e h
8/6/2011

Bunch of baseless, idiotic assertions:
[You could not work in a bank because you were not fair-skinned] Was this a policy of GOJ or was is class prejudice perpetuated by employers, some of whom were very dark-skinned otherwise law-abiding, god fairing Jamaicans? Isn't it still going on?
[The only car in the school belonged to the Headmaster] News flash Jamaica cannot afford Energy. Maybe this was not such a bad thing.
[Walking to school bare feet] Was this mandated by politicians?

wanda woeman
8/6/2011

We have accomplished much in 49 years and if we were a more disciplined ppl we could have achieved much more despite our politicians.
I remember as a lass growing up, my aunt used to work for some white people and I used to wonder at the huge house they lived in.
My house today is almost twice the size of theirs and my life is much better because I take things like the cell phone for granted.
I much prefer my PNP, but thanks too to the JLP. You have both been good for Jamaica. Blessings!

wanda woeman
8/6/2011

@D T And when both parties leave JA, who is going to run it, you? Despite their "corruption" we owe a debt of gratitude to both parties that we can never repay.
But you won't know because I am sure that you didn't know when you couldn't work in a bank if you were not fair-skinned, or had to walk barefoot to school, or the only car in the schoolyard belonged to the headmaster, or you had to skip school every Friday.

Kevin Forge
8/5/2011

There are a few communities in Jamaica where almost every house has at least one licensed gun owner. Nobody is beheaded in those communities. Nobody sets houses afire and stands in the middle of the road to shoot children fleeing the flames in those communities. Yet we keep up this fantasy that preventing law abiding Jamaicans from owning weapons somehow makes them safer.

Nejeeper KNG
8/5/2011

I believe that law abiding citizen should have the right to own a licensed firearm. Statement like "there are already too many guns in our society” is not a balance view. The thing is all these guns are in the hands of criminals and law abiding citizen need to at least be able to defend themselves, they shouldn’t be punish because they want to obtain a gun legally. Any law abiding Jamaican without a criminal record should be able to get a licensed firearm not just the well connected.

Adam Godson
8/5/2011

And speaking of where journalists biases lie,does anyone have a clue as to the allegience of the observer's own Barbara Gloudon (Sista Barbara to former PNP MP Oliver clue) ,Lloyd B Smith (it escapes me what newspaper he is a columnist for),Lambert Brown,Ronald Thwaites ?
By the way,anyone knows what ever happened to Dawn Ritch? I wanda where that woeman is these days.

D T
8/5/2011

@ Wanda I am a strong supporter of NO POLITICAL PARTY I only want what is best for Ja. The article is about gun ownership but you went off to talk politics. You have a very soft heart for the PNP but I say to you both parties are corrupt and both should leave Ja. If people like you contine to turn a blind eye to the corruption when it's your party at fault Ja will never be better. What we need is to unite and let the politicians know we will take no more they have to go.

wanda woeman
8/5/2011

@D T What are you accusing me of now? You are certainly true to form just like the others. What makes you say I don't love JA now? Is it like questioing the status of the IMF passage?.
You don;'t like it now do you? When Mr. Shaw was running all over the place and criticizing the PNP you were happy. Now that you look like you are on the losing end you are all confused.
Don't worry unlike now, under the PNP you wont have to prove loyalty to the party to get or keep a job.

fall mouth
8/5/2011

The other day I was crossing a one-way street and I looked both ways. My little daughter laughed at me and asked "Mommy why are you looking both ways when it is a one-way street?'
In turn I replied, "Because not all the crazy people are in the asylum my dear; some are running around out here."
D T makes the point for me more eloquently than I ever could.
As soon as she returns from the beach I am going to show my daughter D Ts post to prove my point..
It is so crazy even I canna believe it.

D T
8/5/2011

@wanda where in the world are you from and what are you saying, all I can say to you is try to love Ja more than your orange shirt. People have been killing people long before the gun was invented. Guns are not the problem, the real problem is people. If we setup a systems to educate, train and test people who desire gun ownership there would not be a problem. If the criminals belived that you have a gun they will stay away from you. in the US you have the right to own a gun we need that here.

Meat Head
8/5/2011

Crimes of passion are inevitable - nothing much can be done. Professional crime results from a conscious risk/reward decision. Pros see minimal risk and potential for high reward - that's why crime is out of control. To change this, we need more aggressive policing, like we had in the SOE. Arming citizens simply increases the availability of guns for criminals. Note that TX, where everyone has guns, is no safer than NJ, where few have guns.

Adam Godson
8/5/2011

Re the story about the canadian priest convicted for child porography. i look forward to paul kokoski from canada, who always writes letters to this paper,ramming his christianity down people's throats,addressing this 'little indiscretion' from his fellow child of a loving,kind,generous god.
I look forward to his letter.

G Kendall
8/5/2011

I read where Errol Strong said because the tests were hard corruption was creeping in. Well Mr. Strong, the tests being hard is not the problem. The long wait it. I recommend you go back to the original test format where a mdecial certificate, written test and 100% pass is required. Firearms are serious business and if you are not physically able, mentally and tactically competent then its best you aren't given the ability to own/operate a firearm.

G Kendall
8/5/2011

The FLA has devolved into a corrupt organization. Even with the relaxed rules, people are still being forced to pay hefty sums to have licences approved. How can it take over 12 months to determine if someone is fit to own a firearm when paying a "bribes" gets you one in 3 months or less.

e h
8/5/2011

A person who wants to commit a gun crime can get a gun anytime he or she pleases.
The State cannot adequately protect its citizens, therefore some of the burden has to revert to householder.
Do the same with guns as I suggest with Drivers License Education. Teach Firearm safety from a young age and make it a choice of the individual, who, now armed with knowledge to own or choose not to own a firearm.

Meat Head
8/5/2011

Two of your questions are unanswerable. Since licensed gun ownership is low, we expect the answers to all the others, except the last one, to be a very small number. There is little to be gained gathering this data. Arming the citizenry should be a last resort, an admission that govt. has failed in its primary mission, protecting the people and it's every man for himself. We shouldn't take this step lightly.

Petros Haile
8/5/2011

Observer, thanks for content of today's Editorial. Wanda Woeman!!!!! Please!!!!!!!

David Armstrong
8/5/2011

One problem with the news media is that they are too soft in engaging politicians who are responsible for providing solutions to social and economic problems. Instead of engaging politicians directly to help the public know where they stand on significant issues, they create their own interpretation of the issues without providing real answers. This is often seen in editorial pieces including this one. The media must start engaging the politicians so we know where they stand on the issues.

Chuck Emanuel
8/5/2011

Actually, there are too many "studies" that are being done and not enough enforcement and compliance with procedures governing the issuance of licenses. Who, or what is it that is causing criminals to be issued with firearms licenses ?. People must be held ACCOUNTABLE ! . Unless corruption is tackled head on at the root in our Institutions, we are whistling in the dark.

wanda woeman
8/5/2011

Yes, here you are ” We want to make the point though that it is not critical that commentators declare their party bias, assuming that they have one. What is more important is the truth, or lack thereof, in what they are saying.” It is hardly worthwhile for people or newspapers to announce their bias anymore. Do you think Motty Perkins or Ken Chaplin or Ken Jones or your two overseas columnists (their names escape me at the moment) need to tell us your bias. You see, you along with the JLP take us for fools. That is why the JLP yesterday was able to accuse the PNP of a scorched earth policy and wanting to win at all costs because they dared to question the status of the IMF tests.

wanda woeman
8/5/2011

You very wisely refrained from allowing us to blog on your editorial yesterday to my devious mind for obvious reasons. Have you ever heard of the JA saying, “Pot calling kettle black?” Here is what you said in your editorial. “The Sunday Herald is now being used by the PNP to attack its enemies and push its message.”
But surely you have been subject to that charge yourself as it relates to the JLP. How do you plead? The ultimate test of good journalism is truth, as you yourself must know and even said at the end of your piece. The Herald’s charges have not been refuted. What message is it carrying that it shouldn’t be, the TRUTH?

Do you feel buying into Facebook now is a good investment for the long-run?
	Yes
	No

View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password:

GCT to go down, white rum prices going up

In this gun debate let's not shoot from the lip