The only time the mighty, rich and powerful in Jamaica have their wings clipped — as we say in general parlance — is when the United States Embassy takes away their visa, or refuses to grant them one. The fact is, and any research can done to show it, the broken systems in Jamaica will rarely serve to take action against them when they are less than honourable.

It is against this background that I, and every law-abiding citizen, should say thanks to the United States for suspending gun exports to Jamaica. According to a recent newspaper article dated Friday, November 11, 2016, the US is reviewing its firearm export licensing approval process. This comes on the heels of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) taking flak for its inefficiency as highlighted in a recent court case.

Many have complained to the authority that its predecessor — in the form of the various “supes” (superintendents of police) — were less than judicious in the issuing of licences to those with landed interest, wealth and political connections in this country. Many criminal elements now deceased were licensed firearm holders even though they had a chequered history of brushes with the law.

The new entity, the FLA, cannot become the emblem of corruption. Its officers are to act with the greatest probity and where found wanting, must be sanctioned.

How can an agency dealing with a serious service such as firearms issue duplicate licences? What steps of investigation, processing, corporate governance, and mere honesty were employed? Where were the checks and balances? What happened to the chain of command? This kind of inefficiency has become too common in public sector organisations in Jamaica.

It is sad that only the United States Embassy (the United States Government) can use its power or muscle to send a message that non-compliance with basic systems and procedures or breaches of the law, duties and ethics must be sanctioned. After 50-plus years of Independence we still have to sadly say we can only trust outside authorities to police us. As well, it is good that we will soon have a Federal Bureau of Investigation office in Jamaica.

We seem not to be able to rely on our Government or Opposition to do, and demand, what is right and fair in this island nation of ours. Most protect each other. Our authorities and many of those who are the stewards in the society have failed us and continue to fail us. We just have to look back at the last few months, both in the local and international press, about some of the the near-criminal activities of those elected to serve, some of whom still sit in Parliament. The only sanctions that seemingly perturbs them is when news comes that visas have been revoked or not renewed.

Long live the USA! Long live its embassy in Jamaica! Make they continue to stand for integrity — at least in the western hemisphere.

I hope that the current Jamaican Government is taking notes. The global village despises corruption and ineptitude. We are being watched. We must make sure that those who are captains at the helm of State entities and agencies do not lead us to anarchy and destruction.

The Ministry of National Security should realise that it has a pivotal role to play in enforcing the rules and regulations in agencies such as the FLA. The ministry needs to understand that a country of integrity takes action; we seem to be a nation of talkers, not doers. Everything cannot be a ‘nine-day wonder’.

christiemaurice@yahoo.com