GG to Sign Into Effect Amendment to Firearms Act

Chester Williams

An amendment to the piece of law that governs the issuance of firearms license is expected to be signed by Governor General Froyla Tzalam, effectively assigning that authority to a three-member board to be constituted by the Minister of Home Affairs.  Prior to the signing of the revision, the Commissioner of Police exercised the power to issue firearms licenses to suitable applicants.  With the recent exposure of questionable issuances, government has decided to employ a new system using a panel of three individuals.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I am not sure when the board is going to be put in place, that’s a matter for the minister to decide.  I know that there are certain infrastructure to be put in place along with the board.  I know that the ministry is working on that and once that is done then the board should take over and commence the consideration of persons who are applying for gun licenses.”

Reporter

“But would you say if there was a flood of last-minute applications because of the uncertain future?”

Chester Williams

“I wouldn’t know if there was a flood of applications.  I know I had some applications on my desk and I disposed of them so that whatever comes in now just goes to the board to be dealt with.”

Reporter

“So the last day of approval was when?”

Chester Williams

“The amendment to the law has not yet been signed by the governor general.  I think it should be signed either today or tomorrow and once that is done then the commissioner has no more authority to sign gun license approval or denial.”