Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
In a bid to ensure a more thorough assessment of applicants for Firearms Users’ Licences (FULs), Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is suggesting that checks on social media accounts should also be included as part of the vetting process.
Alexander said it would be an added security mechanism to ensure that prospective FUL holders were responsible enough to own and operate a gun.
Speaking with Guardian Media after attending an inter-faith service at the St Augustine Secondary School on Gordon Street on Monday, Alexander said he had recently spoken with Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro. He said he recommended that social media checks be added to the list of processes for FUL applicants.
“You will be amazed to see what’s happening there on these social media accounts.
“So they are making comments and look at what they’re encouraging on these platforms.
“Every comment they make about law enforcement and how the police don’t need to walk with any guns. If the place is so safe, why are you applying for a firearm?” he asked.
Referring to social media checks as part of the US visa application requirements, Alexander said such precautions were necessary considerations, especially for such a serious responsibility as gun ownership.
He also referred to instances where people had contacted him personally, asking for him to “expedite” their FUL applications. The Homeland Security Minister reminded citizens that he had no influence over the process.
“They hide behind social media, but are calling me to ask me to ask the Commissioner to bring up (their) name to the top.
“I say ‘I don’t do that, that is his (the Police Commissioner’s)responsibility’.”
In July, Guevarro promised to streamline the FUL application process and was committed to removing bottlenecks that he said unnecessarily delayed the procedure.
