KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of National Security is reporting that officials at the United States Embassy in Jamaica, have given high praises to Jamaica’s law enforcement apparatus, after noting that there has been a 99 per cent tracing of all seized firearms in the country.

According to a release from the ministry today, the officials recently met with Security Minister Robert Montague to discuss further enhancing the law enforcement partnership especially in relation to combatting firearms issues.

“The US officials described as phenomenal, the work being done by the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine and for the high percentage of weapon tracing which ensures that they are tested and the ballistic imprints recorded,” the release stated.

It added that embassy officials further praised the cooperation with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and US law enforcement, especially in regards to seized firearms that are of a US origin.

Meanwhile, during the meeting Montague reiterated concerns about the illegal flow of guns into Jamaica, and called on the US to do more to significantly reduce the inflow of illegal weapons and ammunition.

The commendation follows last Wednesday’s announcement that the United States (US) has resumed the authorisation process for firearm export licences to Jamaica, lifting an almost two-month ban that was imposed in November last year.

The US had suspended exports of guns amid growing controversy surrounding the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) at the time.