BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THERE has been a “drastic” increase in applications for firearm licenses in 2016 when compared with 2015 the Police High Command has informed.
At its recent and first press conference for the year, Members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s High Command updated the nation on progress and rewards of crime fighting initiatives and also some of the struggles which the Force faces.
One of the questions posed by this publication during the press conference surrounded the issuance of firearm licenses. And while Assistant Commissioner of Police Terrance James did indicate that there was a notable increase, Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley said it would not have been prudent to release information specific to neither the quantity of applicants nor the quantity of issued licenses.
James said, “In relation to the number of licensed firearms, I cannot say the number off hand but I have seen an increase in the persons applying for licensed firearms. We have seen a drastic increase in the numbers for 2016. The figure, I would not be able to give you that offhand.”
He also informed that these licenses are being applied for by persons in all sectors of the local society, including business owners.
And as expressed by Commissioner Queeley, “…I do not think it is prudent for the police to come to this press conference and say the number of firearm licenses that have been issued…”
He noted however, that when the applications are received, the proper investigations are carried out before consideration to grant the license is made.
“But what I can say (is) each of the applications that are received, are investigated and taken on its merit and due consideration is given taking all of the circumstances into account.”
