NYREE D ALFONSO
NOT FOR the first time I have felt compelled to document my utter dismay and disappointment with the Government's decision to openly attack the legal framework/regime for legal gun ownership in the country. Except for one or two attempts by local journalists to highlight the latest in a long line of unfortunate and concerted attacks on the very small percentage of legal firearm owners, the national population, the Opposition, social commentators and, more regrettably, the stakeholders of this beleaguered industry have remained largely silent and complacent.
In a matter of months, the Commissioner of Police (CoP) has deemed almost all Firearm User's Licences (FULs) invalid due to their holders failing to renew them prior to 2024 and has stymied the sport of hunting and competitive shooting, curtailed farmers' ability to destroy pests which attack their crops and has negatively affected the ability of FUL holders to train with their legally issued firearms. There has also been a slowing of the pace of the granting of Firearms User's (Employee's) Certificates (FUECs) and precepts. These latter matters significantly affect the security industry.
These 'accomplishments' have largely been accomplished by inertia by the CoP and I have no doubt that this inertia has been directed and orchestrated by those who have arrogated unto themselves the formulation of policy positions with respect to firearm ownership and usage, which is unarguably contrary to the provisions of the Firearms Act.
We have now progressed beyond the aforesaid acts to more direct attacks on those of us either fortunate enough or, depending on your perspective, who have the misfortune and responsibility that is attendant with owning a firearm. The first step was the 'leaked' Draft Firearms Control Bill circulated by the CoP. The stated objective of same being the development of a 'comprehensive system of firearms control regulation in Trinidad and Tobago.' Among the objectionable aspects of the proposed draft bill are the following:
1. Gun-free zones.
2. Dichotomy between licences to carry a firearm and to possess same (meaning you can own a firearm but carry it nowhere beyond your home and perhaps a range).
3. A newly created criterion whereby the applicant must demonstrate that he/she is 'at greater risk of attack to life and limb than the general public' and, therefore, the acquisition of a firearm 'is appropriate and necessary to reduce this risk.'
Well, I have a memo for the chairman of the National Security Council and Minister Hinds among others: every member of the public, rich or poor, of African or Indian descent and everything in between or outside of these ethnic groupings believes their safety and security are in peril because of the actions of brazen and ruthless criminals whom the security forces seem largely powerless to stop.
The exception to this unhappy and unacceptable state is enjoyed by members of our esteemed Government who are lucky enough to have the protection of the security forces.
B
