Politician hits roadblock in effort to replace stolen gun

Nine months after his firearm was stolen, People's National Party (PNP) candidate for St Andrew West Central, Paul Buchanan, is raising concerns after the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) denied his request for an extension to purchase a firearm.

Buchanan claims his firearm was stolen last October during a crime in the constituency he is contesting against Jamaica Labour Party Leader and Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness.

He says his effort to secure a licence is being stymied by the licensing body.

"I had to go through hell to get back a permit, and I did, but I missed the due date for the purchase order by a day," Buchanan said.

Having missed the deadline to complete the firearm purchase, Buchanan requested an extension, which the FLA refused. In a letter dated August 8, the authority noted that Buchanan had been "conditionally approved" for a new firearm licence in March, several months after his firearm was stolen.

"...In light of the time that has elapsed and failure to purchase firearm within the time frame given, your application request for an extension on your purchase order number is hereby denied," the letter stated.

While Buchanan, a former member of parliament for St Andrew West Rural, has been informed that he can reapply for a user's licence, he says this offers little consolation. He expressed frustration at what he sees as the FLA's lack of support.

"You think we set up institutions to be progressive and be helpful and to protect," he lamented.

"They make the denial as if they are throwing it in your face. You don't do that. They issued the permit reluctantly, and after following up on the purchase order, I am now being told that has been denied."

More than 100 licensed firearms have been stolen across Jamaica in just two years. The latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica shows that in 2024, some 44 firearms and 712 rounds of ammunition were stolen, while 65 guns and 1,289 rounds of ammunition were lost to criminals in 2023.