Integrity Commission Blasts Dennis Meadows On FLA Corruption

March 11, 2022 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Jamaica’s Integrity Commision recently released the long awaited report on the operations of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA). The new Integrity Commission report has not unfortunately told us anything new as it relates to anecdotal accounts of wrongdoing at the FLA. The role paid by successive National Security Ministers who have been accused of approving firearm license to persons of questionable records and conduct has been highlighted. Persons with criminal records have been issued with legal firearm licenses. This is unacceptable, you will agree.

Criminal Convicts

A number of persons who were denied gun permits were eventually on appeal granted licenses. These original denials were overruled and licenses were issued to these rejected applicants. We are aware that the law gives the National Security Minister certain discretionary powers. Peter Bunting and Robert Montague were fingered. The period around 2014 to 2018. However, this power should not be abused. In the final analysis there is the potential for these firearms to be used in a manner not in the best interest of the society.

Shane Dalling

Shane Dalling blew the whistle on many of these wrongdoings. He was criticized, but has proven to be a person of integrity. We wish him all the success as he tries to clean up the mess at the FLA.
Dalling needs our full support.

The Director of Integrity

The report has been sent to the Director of Integrity. This report is being considered and we do not know when this further investigation will be done. We hope the chips will fall where they may. We need greater transparency and a higher level of confidence in our Public Institutions. The Firearm Licensing Authority has a key role to pay in upholding this high level of expected integrity. Public perception has not been of a high standard. We hope this will change for the better soon.

Position Of Trust

The board and Executive management of the FLA has a critical role to play having been placed in a position of trust. Therefore, this most recent report that took six (6) years to be completed. It is a sad commentary that we have seen this latest report which has recorded such poor outcomes. The lack of accountability is disappointing to say the least.

Dennis Meadows

The deputy Chairman of the FLA has not been spoken highly of because he has been accused of nepotism a fact which he has admitted to. Dennis Meadows has breached many rules of the FLA which is most unfortunate. As a public servant it is our hope that the conduct of Dennis Meadows is not emulated. He has not set the best example for others to follow or emulate.

Commentary

It is a sad commentary that we note the not so pleasant report on the events of the FLA. It is our hope that there will be much needed corrective action soon. We deserve a higher level of service from our public institutions. The FLA is too critical a body to be seen as being in the dumps. Sad commentary indeed!

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a poet, elegist, author, and senior international journalist who writes for Vision Newspaper.