National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang says he has “full confidence” in the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) Chief Executive Officer Shane Dalling despite concerns raised in a recent Integrity Commission report and calls from the Opposition People’s National Party for Dalling’s resignation.
The issues outlined in the Commission’s report include claims of missing ammunition, sales attributed to a deceased licensed firearms holder and loss of information due to a system crash.
In a statement, Dr. Chang said the Ministry will undertake a further review of the FLA’s systems of accountability, inventory management and operational controls.
He said the additional review will seek to ensure that the Authority continues to meet the required standards of transparency, security and public confidence.
Dr. Chang said the issues raised in the Commission’s report are being treated with the seriousness they warrant.
He argued that the findings should be viewed within their proper context noting that the Integrity Commission’s investigation began in 2021 while the Authority was already engaged in a process of institutional reform.
According to the Minister, the FLA has been pursuing reforms since 2017 under Dalling’s leadership, with efforts focused on strengthening accountability systems, improving operational processes, enhancing vetting mechanisms and addressing areas of vulnerability.
These efforts he said have been aimed at ensuring that the Authority operates in a manner consistent with the standards expected of a modern regulatory institution.
Dr. Chang said the existing governance framework of the Authority must also be clearly understood.
He explained that the FLA operates under a board-led accountability structure established by law.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the administration and day-to-day management of the Authority and reports to the Board of Directors.
The Board provides strategic oversight and makes decisions within its statutory mandate.
The Board in turn reports to the Minister of National Security and Peace.
Dr. Chang said this framework ensures appropriate separation of responsibilities and that decisions relating to the operations of the Authority, including the issuance, variation and revocation of firearm licences are subject to established governance processes.
Dr. Chang noted that prior to the tabling of the Integrity Commission’s report, the Ministry had commenced a review of the FLA’s inventory management systems.
Following an initial inspection of the Authority’s processes and facilities, he said the Ministry was satisfied that systems were in place to account for firearms in the custody of the Authority.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Jamaica’s firearms regulatory framework operates with the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism.
He said where improvements are required they will be implemented.
