KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — National Security Minister Peter Bunting says the Firearm Licensing Authority has significantly reduced the backlog of applications for firearm licences.

Bunting, who was responding to questions from Opposition Spokesperson on Security, Derrick Smith, said up to the end of June this year, some 2,581 applications were processed.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Bunting noted that for the period ending August 2012, the backlog of applications for firearm licences numbered 6,000.

However, for the period ending August 2013, there were 1,946 applications, which reflected the clearing of the initial backlog from 2012.

The security minister also stated that by August 2014, the number of applications increased to 4,217.

“The stipulated time for processing is six months; however, given that the number of applications has doubled, even with processing improvements, the processing is now taking six to 12 months,” Bunting said.

He pointed out that the enhanced transparency and responsiveness in the application process at the agency has resulted in a surge in interest by Jamaicans.

Meanwhile, Bunting revealed that the head of the applications department at the agency had resigned, following an investigation into its operations.