Dear Editor

The Firearm Licensing Authority investigations have revealed that people with criminal records got firearms licences. Our corruption-enabling society is up in arms that such a thing happened.

It was revealed that one licensed holder served time in prison in a foreign country. Now, should that Jamaican citizen be denied a firearm licence in Jamaica? Should a firearm applicant’s criminal record justify not being granted a licence?

I don’t think having a criminal record should be the sole reason to deny an applicant a firearm licence. What has happened to reformation and redemption?

Say an firearm licence applicant committed crime and pays his debt to society. Years have passed and, by all indicators, this person turns his/her life around and is an asset to his/her community. Is it fair that such an applicant should be denied?

I think there should be a process and after extensive review he or she should get the licence.

People make mistakes. People change and, as a society, we should not hinder the progress of those who truly end up reformed.

We should fast-forward the amendment of laws governing the issuing of firearm licences to reflect today’s reality.

Having a criminal record shouldn’t doom someone who has changed his/her life.

Authnel S Reid

authnelreid@aol.com