KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), in its bid to address the issue of licenses being granted to unfit applicants who were previously denied, has appealed to the public and the media to share information they have.

FLA said this would assist in the process of ensuring that firearm holders are fit and meet the proper criteria.

The appeal comes after a media report that applicants were denied by the previous FLA board due to adverse traces found by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and that some of the applicants were allegedly found to be involved in lottery scamming, murders and gun running.

However, the FLA maintains that several background checks are done and as part of their due diligence process. “The police are always contacted and highly confidential information is received from time to time,” the authority said.

FLA further noted that it constantly reviews its processes and updates its information system and intelligence gathering on firearm holders and applicants alike.

“As such, we continuously review, investigate and gather intelligence from the police and the public at large, in order to guide our decision making process. Thus, a license firearm holder is constantly under review,” the authority explained.

“We therefore urge all members of the public, including members of the media, to provide us with any information deemed pertinent to assist us in strengthening our systems and processes.”

Yesterday, RJR reported that incensed members of the JCF have written to the Police High Command about one application in particular.

Their report stated that the individual was found to be a major suspect in the lottery scam and involved in a motor vehicle stealing ring.