Ministry misfires on new FLA board

There is confusion surrounding whether a new Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) board has been appointed, after a series of conflicting press releases out of the Ministry of National Security.

In the latest release sent out yesterday, the ministry said that a previous message stating

that Cabinet had approved appointment of a Major General Antony Anderson-led board was sent out prematurely.

The previous release outlined that the new board would have two returning members from the previous board - former Chairman Dennis Wright and retired senior puisne judge, Marva McIntosh.

It also outlined the other members to be retired civil servant Ena Rose and retired Senior Superintendent Albert Edwards, alongside Anderson as chairman.

NO FINAL DECISION YET

However, in the most recent release, National Security Minister Robert Montague stated that he had not yet appointed the new FLA board. He went on to point out that he would be off the island, and that the final decision on the board members would be made on his return.

"Last night (Monday), the Cabinet discussed the appointment of the board of the Firearm Licensing Authority. I leave the island today. On my return, I will return the decision to the Cabinet to finalise the discussions and execute the instruments of appointment."

Amid the uncertainty, one retired senior superintendent of police, who has in the past, applied for the post of police commissioner, suggested yesterday that anyone who will sit as chairman of the new board must develop a system on his or her own, which will ensure that the granting of firearm permits to persons of questionable character does not take place in the future.