Laws to be updated to aid in fight

AS JAMAICA continues to grapple with the problem of illegal firearms, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has vowed to intensify strategies to combat the illicit trafficking of weapons and ammunition.

In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on Tuesday, Chang said that the administration was “moving with concerted effort to enhance legislative provisions to reduce arms trafficking, disarm criminal networks, and increase penalties for the illegal use and possession of firearms”.

Changes to the Firearms Act have recently been approved by Cabinet, said Chang, noting that during this legislative year, the Government would be tabling these amendments in the Houses of Parliament.

“This will reflect international best practices and see increased and updated fines as well as custodial sentences for offences committed,” he stated.

BOLSTERING CONTROL

Giving details, Chang said that the amendments would bolster the control over small arms and would include import, transit, and brokering activities to prevent the illicit manufacture of and trafficking in small arms or their diversion to unauthorised recipients.

The national security minister noted that the legislative improvements would work in tandem with measures introduced at the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), the agency which regulates the use of legal weapons and ammunition. He reported that during this financial year, the FLA would introduce online tracking for firearm applications. Additionally, the FLA will acquire a Bullettrax Marking Machine to improve the Authority’s capacity to capture bullet signatures.

At the same time, Chang said that the Private Security Regulation Authority Act would be amended to improve the regulatory framework governing the private security industry. This, he added, would ensure that there were appropriate standards for the collaborative work required with the police.