KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) is calling for an immediate audit of the Firearms Licensing Authority (FLA) as well as action be taken against the FLA board and CEO.

The PNPYO issued a statement today in which it reasoned that if reports of the granting of permits to unfit individuals are true, the entire integrity of the FLA would be compromised; and the country could have no confidence in the operations of that entity and the board appointed by the security minister.

“Therefore, in light of the nature of these reports, and the crime wave that has enveloped the country, the Minister of National Security, Robert Montague cannot remain silent,” PNPYO said.

Accordingly, the PNPYO called for:

• The board chairman, deputy chairman, and CEO to be sent on immediate leave so as not to interfere with any investigation which may be necessary;

• An independent audit of FLA’s operations to determine if all permits that have been issued since the new leadership was installed, are in responsible hands; and

• The immediate halt on the issuance of gun licences by the FLA.