KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Licensed firearm holders are being reminded to store their weapons safely if they are departing the island or attending events where firearms are not allowed.

This reminder came from Communication Officer in the Corporate Communication Unit, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, during a recent press conference at the Office of the Police Commissioner, in St Andrew.

She encouraged holders of licensed firearms who are attending parties to make arrangements for temporary storage with the police stations that are nearest to the event.

“I know that for the major events, protocols are worked out with the organisers for their safekeeping,” she noted.

Superintendent Lindsay urged persons not to leave their firearms in their vehicles when they attend parties. She explained that if this is done and the weapon is stolen, “you will have to answer to the law”.

As for persons who are travelling overseas, Superintendent Lindsay said they should make arrangements with the Firearm Licensing Authority for their weapons to be kept there.

She said this service can be undertaken at a cost of $300 per month (or part thereof) for handguns and $500 per month (or part thereof) for shotguns.

The Superintendent noted that the practice of leaving weapons at the island’s major airports is no longer “logistically feasible”.

“We don’t encourage that practice because of the number of persons who are now holders of licensed firearms. We cannot accommodate the storage at the airport,” she said.

The Firearm Licensing Authority is located at 91A Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 or Shop #9, Bogue City Centre, Montego Bay, St James.

The Kingston office may be contacted at 927-6057, while the Montego Bay office may be reached at 978-0245.