KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) Patriots, a young professional group aligned to the Parliamentary Opposition, has called for the removal of National Security Minister Robert Montague.

The Patriots, in a release wrapping up their Annual Conference, said the “emerging scandal” at the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) was “another worrying sign of the reckless disregard for procedures”.

FLA Chairman Dennis Wright yesterday requested that the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) probe operations at the Authority after news emerged last week that the FLA board, which was formed after the Government changed with the February 2016 General Election, had granted firearm licences to individuals of questionable character and whose applications had been denied by the previous board.

According to the Patriots’ new president, Omar Newell, Montague’s attitude to national security puts the nation at risk and causes a sense of hopelessness across the society.

“With the murder rate skyrocketing and maneuvering fragile economy, there is no room for experimenting with Jamaica’s future,” Newell said.

The group accused Montague of being “derelict in his responsibility,” and said, he “has forfeited his right to continue as minister of national security”.

Newell also argued that the fact that Prime Minister Andrew Holness is leading the zones of special operations project is evidence of a lack of confidence in Montague.