Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

More than 100 licensed firearm holders, inclu-ding high-profile political activists and entertainers, are being probed by the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA).

The agency is investigating the circumstances under which a number of these persons were issued with firearm licences as many did not meet the criteria for approval.

"We commenced the investigation on August 4," chairman of the FLA, Errol Strong, told The Gleaner. Already a group of special investigators has been brought in to speed up the process.

Police intelligence lists more than 100 questionable licensed firearm holders across the island.

Preliminary investigations by the FLA suggest that a number of these permits were given under curious circumstances.

Before February 2006, to qualify for a firearm licence, the commanding officer of the applicant's parish of residence had to sign a recommendation for the permit.

In some instances, applicants who were granted permits were living outside the divisions where the licences were issued. In at least two cases to date, the applicants had no knowledge of the addresses that they used on their own applications. These cases raise questions of collusion.

Endorsements

Prior to 2006, applicants also needed endorsements and character references from a minister of religion, and/or a notary public. The Gleaner understands that some of the holders currently under investigation are of shady character and are known to be closely associated with the criminal underworld.

"I cannot say much about the investigations now, but at least 20 of the files have already been processed," said Strong, a retired assistant commissioner of police.

About five months ago, a significant number of firearms, belonging to licensed holders were seized by the police. At the time Strong said the FLA had nothing to do with the seizure of the guns.

The weapons were returned to the respective owners, following the intervention of lawyers. The Gleaner understands that the guns were returned as there was no recommendation from the police for the FLA to revoke these licences.

According to Strong, when the time comes for recertification, more persons might lose their firearm licences if it is proven that the reasons they gave at the time of application is no longer viable.

Since the start of the year, the FLA has revoked more than 17 firearm licences for various reasons.

The Independent Central Firearm Licensing Authority came into being in February 2006 to grant firearm licences in Jamaica, thereby removing this task from divisional commanding officers.

Effective next year:

Licensed firearm holders will be required to renew their licenses on their birthdays.

The FLA will replace the Firearm User's Licence booklet with an identification card, resembling the driver's licence.

The FLA will clear up the back log and process applications within three months.