‘Firearm dealers will be part of process’

Local dealers of firearms have been assured that their sales will not be affected although a government entity that will be involved in purchasing and distribution of firearms has been set up.{{more}}

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the comment during the opening ceremony of this country’s first shooting range last Thursday, June 23, at Arnos Vale.

“I do not want any private sector entity to feel that they are being cut out because they will not be cut out,” Gonsalves said.

He further explained that local firearm dealers will instead be an integral part of the process.

The prime minister also said that he anticipates that now that the process for granting a firearm license has become more transparent and the shooting range is open, more persons will apply for firearm licenses and they should be doing more business.

“So, then, nobody is taking anything from anybody,” Gonsalves said.

Minister of Health Cecil McKie, during his remarks, said that a seven member board headed by Sir Vincent Beache was appointed on May, 19, 2011, to manage the shooting range.

Other functions of the board, according to McKie, include ongoing development of the facility, upkeep of the range and the importation and sale of firearms.(DD)