Letter of the Day | Strict gun laws must be balanced with common sense

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Every well-thinking Jamaican desires strict gun laws and a murder-free Jamaica. However, this must not come at the expense of common sense.

I am highlighting some real-life examples:

• Loaned vehicle incident: A licensed firearm holder loans his car to another licensed holder who, in turn, lends it to a third party without a licence. During a spot check, a magazine and ammunition are found in the car. Though documentation later cleared the matter, under the new law, this situation could mean 15 years in prison.

• Tourist incident: An American tourist unknowingly packs a bag with ammunition left in a side pocket. He enjoys his vacation in Jamaica but is arrested at the airport when the ammunition is discovered. He now faces a mandatory 15-year sentence for what was clearly an innocent mistake.

Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) office incident: A licensed holder visits the FLA) office, empties his firearm and places the extra round from the breech in his pocket. Later, while driving, the round slips under the car seat unnoticed. Days afterwards, it is found at a car wash. Again, under the new law, this could mean 15 years in prison.

These are concerns being raised, which are legitimate, with the act.

• The law prevents firearm holders from discharging their weapons to suppress a riot or save a life, permitting only “shoot to kill”.

• Innocent, law-abiding citizens or visitors can be subjected to harsh penalties for unintentional acts.

We believe that persons who use firearms to commit crimes or intentionally possess them illegally must be punished severely. But innocent mistakes should not carry the same mandatory sentence. No one is suggesting that the 15-year penalty be removed. What we are saying is that not every situation warrants such punishment. Both strict enforcement and common sense can coexist.

The government should take these examples into consideration when shaping policy. If we fail to apply reason, what will happen if a child is caught playing with a toy gun? Will that child face 15 years? Let us use the law to punish criminals, not the population.

O SCOTT