Dear Editor,

As I follow the investigation of Khajeel Mais’s murder, I have discovered egregious loopholes within the Firearms Act. Under section 39 of the Firearms Act, a constable with the written authorisation of the commissioner of police has the authority to request for inspection the firearm, permit and ammunition of a licensed holder.

The offence of refusing to submit firearms for inspection attracts a maximum fine of $400 or a term not exceeding 12 months in prison. There are many people, including myself, who think the penalty is very weak. This penalty encourages as an example someone who is suspected of murder to obstruct with very little penalty, a criminal investigation, especially murder. With the report that the suspected killer of Khajeel Mais is refusing to submit his licensed firearm to the police for inspection, we need to make sure that the consequences of refusing this order have penalties that will cause prospective and current firearms licensees to cooperate with the authorities immediately if required.

I therefore would like to suggest that the following actions or amendments be included in the Firearms Act, Section 39, for current and prospective firearms licensees. (1) The issuing of a firearms licence will only be considered if a prospective licensee signs a statement that outlines a requirement for firearm submission, if requested to do so by the proper authorities. Failure to sign this statement will result in the denial of licence(s). (2) For existing holders of licences, the validity of a firearms licence will only be considered if a current licensee signs a statement that outlines a requirement for firearm submission, if requested to do so. Failure to sign this statement will result in revocation of firearms licence(s), in addition to the already existing penalties. These amendments will certainly prevent current or prospective firearms licence holders from circumventing their responsibilities as lawful arms bearers and should be implemented under the jurisdiction of the Jamaican laws and its constitution.

Tenson G Robinson

tee_rob2003@yahoo.com