KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security, Robert Montague has announced proposed changes in legislation that will affect licensed firearm holders.

The disclosure was made during a tour yesterday of the Firearm Licensing Authority headquarters at 91 Old Hope Road, a news release from the ministry stated.

Montague, while speaking with staff at the agency stated: “A gun is like a phone. Without credit or WIFI, the phone is useless. The bullets are the credit for guns. We have 40,000 firearm license holders each getting 50 rounds. If 10 per cent of this get into the wrong hands then something is wrong.”

He said in light of this, there will be a move to be extremely punitive with those who use their licensed firearms for illegal purposes and that all licensed firearm holders must account for each of their 50 rounds. “A man must think twice before he takes up a gun. He will take it up knowing the consequences,” he said.

Montague emphasised that this forms part of the intensified activity across the ministry’s departments and agencies to aggressively treat with crime and violence.

This will be complimented by the recruitment of more security personnel and a boost to police presence across the island, especially western parishes in keeping with the National Crime Management Strategy.

The visit was intended to provide the minister with an intimate orientation to FLA operations and an opportunity to meet with and address staff at the agency.