SVG Firearms Licensing Board holds first meeting

The recently constituted Firearms Licensing Board held it’s first meeting on Wednesday, October 20, at the Ministry of National Security.{{more}}

The Board was set up following the passing of the Firearms Amendment Act of 2010, and became law following the assent by the Governor General on August 30.

It’s functions are to consider applications for firearms licences and permits, renew, amend or revoke licences and permits, approve places for training, and promote and oversee publication programmes for the safe and effective use of firearms and ammunition.

Previously, these actions were vested in the Office of the Commissioner of Police.

The Chairman of the new board is Godfrey Pompey, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security. The other members are the Commissioner of Police or his nominee; Joseph Jack, a retired senior police officer; Muriel Byam, a social worker; and Patsy Caruth a retired senior nursing official.

Former Minister of National Security Sir Vincent Beache and Rodney Gallagher, a United Kingdom citizen, will be advisors to the new board.

Wednesday’s meeting examined procedures under which the board will operate, and identified critical matters for early attention and action.

Among these will be the implementation of a new application form for firearms and firearm dealers, and a review of existing application forms.

The new application forms are now available from the Ministry of National Security in the Financial Complex Building on Bay Street.