KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Patriots, the young professional group affiliated to the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling for a review of the Act governing the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA).

According to the Patriots, they want a strengthening of the FLA by reducing the latitude of the minister of national security in determining board membership.

The PNP group, in a release today, argued that the Firearms Act currently prescribes the appointment of three positions on the FLA board, but this prescription should be expanded to remove the minister’s discretion.

“A politician’s discretion is not enough to determine the character of the individuals to be empowered to arm citizens. This is a dangerous practice, a threat to public safety, and it should end immediately,” the Patriots stated.

It also called for the position of Chairman of the Authority to be subject to a confirmation vote in the Lower House of Parliament after background investigation by “the relevant authority”.

The Patriots added that the FLA Chief Executive Officer, Shane Dalling, should vacate the position immediately because his stewardship of the agency was “reckless and improper”.

“We expect the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency to thoroughly investigate the breaches at the FLA with a view to take appropriate action where warranted,” Patriots’ President, Omar Newell said.