NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe.
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE government will toughen up the requirements to obtain licensed firearms, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday - including testing requiring the owners to show they can safely use the weapons.
He was responding to questions about whether people should be allowed to more easily get weapons to defend themselves.
“We are now looking at the issuance of weapons to anybody,” he said. “I’ll give you a starting example of what we are looking to change. We have between 20k or 30k licences for shotguns and rifles. I have a shotgun, I have a rifle. I obtained those about ten-odd years ago. I wasn’t able to prove to the licensing authority that I can safely use either of them. Periodically, annually or every two years, I’m not required to prove that I can still safely use them. We intend to change that.
“A handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle is a lethal weapon and so we’re gonna be concerned that the persons who we give permission to own them, to possess them, have sufficient knowledge to safely use them when they get them and to continue to safely use them going forward.”
“Owning any firearm is a real responsibility and having the wrong attitude in owning it would be problematic and so, of course, care is issued when licences are issued for any class of firearm.
Mr Munore later told The Tribune people should have to take lessons on how to handle a firearm before they obtain a licence.
According to the Firearms Act, the Commissioner of Police can grant a gun licence if satisfied the applicant is a fit and proper person to receive the weapon.
The law further states: “Provided that a licence shall not be granted to a person whom the Commissioner has reason to believe to be prohibited by this Act from possessing a gun to which this Part of this Act applies, or to be of intemperate habits or unsound mind, or to be for any reason unfitted to be entrusted with such a gun.”
Comments
JackArawak 1 year, 7 months ago
Having watched various police officers "inspect" my shotgun over the years; I've wondered more than once, "does he really know what he's looking at?" Because honestly, there are times when I'm pretty sure he didn't. For the record, I'm not opposed to being properly trained, it's only common sense.
mandela 1 year, 7 months ago
That is awesome news and I hope the minister applies the same measure to the criminals whose illegal guns (and only their illegal guns) are killing and causing all the havoc.
LastManStanding 1 year, 7 months ago
Yes, because it is legal gunowners with shotties and 22LRs that are committing all of the murders in this country. This will definitely bring down the crime rate. Great thinking!
bahamianson 1 year, 7 months ago
So what does all of this have to do with crimes rhat are carried out using guns? Does the minister have evidence that the people presently owning guns have been reckless with them? Is he implying that responsible gun owners are the ones shooting up the place? I don't get it.. His assertion is that people holding legal licences have caused mayhem in our society, hen e need to learn how to handle a gun.
TalRussell 1 year, 7 months ago
Not in all my long life years of Bahamianhood --- During the process of growing from child to manhood --- Has your graceful comrade, ----Known of a single Nassau, Abaco, Freeport family member, or business associate, --- Who felt they had basic protection --- Must posse need --- To own a pistol or longarm rifle. --- Yes?
avidreader 1 year, 7 months ago
Looking for excuses! It is absolutely amazing how easy it is to predict how this government will react to any situation. Whenever something happens, one of their ministers trots out to spout a few sentences designed to give the impression that they have the answer to the perceived problem. Fire in Bimini: fire engines not maintained. Why were they not maintained? Shantytowns: reversal of court injunction but now the pastors are pleading for mercy for the inhabitants of the shantytowns. It is about time that we hear some intelligent and inventive suggestions for the solution to a number of the issues that are of concern to the general public.
ExposedU2C 1 year, 7 months ago
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz.......
TalRussell 1 year, 7 months ago
Why isn't, --- "Food Inflation" --- Not under the National Security Minister's portfolio. --- Yes?
trueBahamian 1 year, 7 months ago
I don't get it. He wants to make it more difficult to legally own a gun. Interesting! Every criminal on the street can have an illegal firearm. No approvals necessary. Soz why make it harder for law abiding citizens. Requiring training in handling, etc. is fine. But, approvals take forever to get and the longer you delay the process or make it more difficult to obtain a license you make it harder for law abiding citizens to protect themselves. Criminals on the street don't have to wait for the Commissioner to give an approval.
juju 1 year, 7 months ago
Such nonsense. The illegal guns are being used to kill,not the licensed guns! The licensed guns should be in a gun safe, away from young children, and individuals who are not familiar with guns.
themessenger 1 year, 7 months ago
Or could there be a more sinister motive behind Munroes double speak such as a clandestine attempt to remove firearm access to all citizens. Might we be seeing some of those Bei Jing supplied armored vehicles and grenade launchers in use against the citizens in the coming days?
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