Minister Bunting Commends FLA for Reducing Backlog

The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) has performed commendably over the last year, clearing a longstanding backlog of thousands of applications and reducing the application processing time from about three years down to six months.

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, made the disclosure during the official opening of the FLA’s new offices at 91A Old Hope Road, St. Andrew on Wednesday, August 13.

He commended the authority for the credible performance, despite operating in less than ideal conditions and with the same staff complement.

He said that the improved efficiency has led to a “substantial increase” in the number of applications for firearm licenses.

“The FLA…having cleared the backlog and improved the turnaround time  (has seen) approximately a tripling of the number of monthly applications coming in and they have to deal with this essentially with the same staff that they were before,” he noted.

Measures that have been put in place to improve the operations of the FLA include: the establishment of the Montego Bay office; introduction of the high security identification card system; and the recertification of existing firearm licensees, including capturing the ballistic signature for all licensed firearms.

Regarding the high security identification card system, Minister Bunting said “we have just about completed one full cycle of that so anyone, who doesn’t have a high security identification card now, must be some sort of delinquent.”

The new FLA location boasts adequate parking and an improved security environment for clients. It also has spacious offices, which is expected to improve service delivery and provide a more comfortable experience for clients and staff.

The FLA was established in 2005 by an Act of Parliament as a statutory organisation within the Ministry of National Security.

It streamlines and standardises the granting, renewal and revocation of firearm licences and all the attendant processes thereof. This will serve to modernise and regulate the licensing of firearms in Jamaica in keeping with worldwide standards.