KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Board of the Firearm Licensing Authority, which has come under intense public scrutiny over the past week in relation to the issuance of licences to people deemed unfit, has resigned.

The board tendered their resignation to National Security Minister, Robert Montague, after a series of debriefing sessions, according to a statement from the ministry.

Montague thanked Chairman, Dennis Wright and the members of the board for their service to Jamaica, the ministry said in its statement.

The board, in its letter, said the members are stepping down to protect their integrity and that of the institution.

In addition, the members felt that the current debate is distracting from the Government’s commendable crime fighting strategies; noting that a reduction in crime and violence will be of great benefit to all Jamaicans.

As a result of the board’s resignation, the Montague has approved the following interim plan of action to be implemented:

1.    The Firearm Licensing Authority should not issue any approval for gun licenses or permits for the next seven working days.

2. The Chief Executive Officer Mr Shane Dalling, over the same period (7 working days) will provide an update on the progress of the Ministry of National Security Assessment Report on the Firearm Licensing Authority 2017 (Allen Report) and the status of the implementation of the recommendations to the minister.

3. Dalling and the FLA staff must give full support to the Justice Seymour Panton Review Panel to ensure full transparency and the integrity of the FLA.

4. Cabinet will be briefed on the situation.

Montague also apologised to the public at large, “especially the bird shooting and sport shooting fraternities for any inconveniences they may experience during this transition period at the FLA, and seeks their indulgence, as we seek to strengthen the organisation and become more accountable”.