PM promises gov't will get tough on owners of illegal guns, ammunition

The Government will be amending the Firearm Act to discourage the possession of and/or dealing in illegal firearms and ammunition, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced.

According to the Prime Minister, there will be a number of new offences such as trafficking, dealing in and distributing guns and ammunition, which will better define the various illicit activities within the illegal firearm trade.

"It is wholly unacceptable that so many lives are being lost to persons with illegal firearms, and this Administration is resolved to treat this problem with the seriousness it deserves," Holness said.

He was making his contribution to the 2018-19 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday.

Holness said the amendments will also streamline the regulations of the legal arms trade and the functions and activities of the Firearm Licensing Authority.

"In this regard, I must emphasise that the ownership of a private firearm is not a right and, therefore, a clear need must be demonstrated and fit and proper standards and detailed due diligence must be applied to the granting of licences," the Prime Minister said.

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