Allow Private Security Regulation Authority to issue gun licences
Published:Saturday | December 17, 2022 | 1:12 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
I would like to extend condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of slain security officers Brandon Small and Lincoln Royal. We urge all security officers to be vigilant in this busy season.
The Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) legislation is scheduled to be completed in April of next year according to Minister Matthew Samuda in May 2021. I, as the founder and president of Jamaica Association for Private Security (JAPS), would like to urge legislators to give the PSRA the power to issue firearm licences for security officers to carry out their duties. If they want a gun for personal use they then should go to the Firearm Licence Authority to obtain the licence. Some might say it’s a far-fetched idea, but Jamaica is one of the most murderous country in the world, so why can’t security officers be given the right and the resources to protect people’s life and property effectively?
We would further like some revamp of the board of the PSRA, which currently has nine members. The JAPS would like to urge the national security ministry to appoint the following member to its board:
• A retired police officer not below the rank of senior superintendent
• A retired army officer not below the rank of colonel
• A retired director of public prosecutions
• A retired Supreme Court or Court of Appeal judge
• A retired senior civil servant
• A retired board member of management of the FLA
• Three people from the private security companies recommended by the minister of national security.
TEDDYLEE GRAY
Ocho Rios, St Ann