National Security Minister orders return of farmer's firearm licence

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has directed that the gun permit of a Clarendon farmer which was revoked by the Firearm Licensing Authority be restored.

The permit was officially cancelled a year ago on the basis that the farmer was not a fit and proper person to retain a firearm.

At the time, the farmer appealed to the Review Board.

However, after waiting for a response for more than a year, the farmer, through his attorney Hugh Wildman, wrote to the National Security Minister in June this year.

The farmer complained that the continued delay in having the matter resolved was of grave concern as he was exposed to criminal elements given the nature of his job.

According to the farmer, he had been the holder of a firearm for 30 years and had never had an issue concerning his weapon.

In response, the minister agreed that there was need for the farmer to be armed.

"Indeed, there seems to be an active food for gun trade in Clarendon and farmers are the prime targets," the minister wrote.

But in recommending that the licence be returned to the farmer, Chang suggested that a short course at the firearm range would be useful.

With the development, a claim filed by the farmer in the Supreme Court in May will no longer be pursued.

The farmer was seeking orders to quash the revocation of his firearm licence.

Follow The Gleaner on Twitter and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.