Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Firearms dealers and range operators are aiming to reshape the national firearms policy landscape, after presenting a 21-page document to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander outlining a series of recommendations, including the creation of a Firearm Licensing Board.
This board is intended to replace the Commissioner of Police’s current sole discretion to grant permits, licenses and certificates.
The document, from the Trinidad and Tobago Firearm Dealers Association and Range Operators Association, which draws on international best practices and local consultations, also proposes that the age to legally own a firearm be lowered from 25 to 18, once proper vetting and training are done.
The associations’ members explained that the initiative is critical not only for enhancing national security but also for rebuilding public trust in how firearms are accessed, licensed, and monitored in the country.
President of the International Defensive Pistol Association, Jethro John, who is also a member of the Firearms Dealers group, said he was hopeful that the recommendations would be useful in crafting the stand-your-ground legislation.
“It was a collaborative effort and included everyone’s thoughts and ideas, and we are very confident that the recommendations in that document will assist the minister and the Government in their pursuit towards the stand-your-ground legislation.”
Following the talks at his Temple Court, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain office yesterday, Alexander stated that feedback on consultations can be expected next month.
“We’re doing it with all stakeholders in and around the country. It’s a broad area to deal with and we want to get everybody’s input. There are many other persons for us to have these consultations, and the country must benefit, so the time frame is probably coming down to the end of August.”
The United National Congress (UNC) proposed to implement stand-your-ground laws as a direct response to concerns over escalating crime, particularly violent home invasions. While the country’s common law already provides for self-defence, the proposed legislation aims to clarify and potentially expand the rights of individuals to use force without a duty to retreat.
Director of the Firearms Training Institute, Nyree Alfonso, said she looked forward to how the recommendations could aid in establishing a structured and accountable framework.
“These stakeholders have been under pressure for some time, we’ve been wrongly prosecuted, persecuted and dismantled and damaged. Hopefully, we are going to have a well-rounded and well-thought-out policy on firearm ownership and all that comes with firearm ownership, including stand-your-ground legislation.”
Recommendations high on the reform agenda are:
* The creation of a Firearm Licensing Board to replace the Commissioner of Police’s current sole discretion to grant permits, licenses and certificates provided for in the Firearms Act and its various amendments.
* The implementation of a subordinate user framework, which would legally allow vetted and trained users (such as family members or employees) to handle firearms under the supervision of licensed holders.
* Mandatory annual training and recertification for all firearm users to ensure proficiency, mental fitness, and compliance with safety protocols.
* A proposal to lower the standard minimum age for a Firearms User’s License application from 25 to 18, allowing young adults who have met all training and vetting requirements to own and operate their firearms independently. It is expected that the tiered framework will widen the talent pool for national shooting teams.
* The document also proposes a tiered licensing system, improved digital tracking of firearm applications, and a public education campaign to demystify firearm ownership and rights.
