Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Amid an internal audit of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), there are reports that the permits of several licensed firearm holders have been seized.

Among the licensed firearm holders are prominent political activists and popular entertainers.

"I understand that instructions were handed down for a number of these licensed firearms to be seized," a member of the police officer Corps disclosed yesterday.

But speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, chairman of the FLA, Errol Strong, made it clear the authority had nothing to do with the seizure of the firearms. He said the police were carrying out the seizures.

"Last Friday, we heard the story for the first time and immediately checked it out. I found out that one person whose name was mentioned, the police seized his firearms," said Strong.

Information reaching The Gleaner is that the person referred to by Strong is a powerful political activist. Police sources further said more licensed firearm holders would be losing their user licenses.

"What I can further tell you is that, since the start of the year, the FLA has revoked 17 firearm licenses for various reasons," said Strong who is also a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He also sought to provide more details on the suspension of six persons at the FLA and the reasons for the audit at the authority.

Strong said there were some grave concerns about the effectiveness, efficiency and management of the office.

"We have serious concerns and are looking into a number of things," said Strong.

Contacted yesterday, head of Operation Kingfish, Assistant Commissioner Glenmore Hinds, would not comment specifically on the licensed firearms that are being seized by his colleagues.

He however stressed that, from time to time, the police may have concerns about some firearm holders including as the persons with whom they associate.

The Independent Central Firearm Licensing Authority came into being in February 2006.

It is charged with the responsibility to grant firearm licenses in Jamaica instead of the local area Police.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com

Requirements for a firearm permit application.