The answer to gun crime? More guns apparently.
I read in despair this news that Jamaica’s National Gun Rights Association (NGRA) is calling on the Firearm Licensing Authority to immediately speed up the processing of the thousands of firearm applications which the group says are on file, so that they can defend themselves against attack. The answer to gun crime ? More guns. How funny people are.
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I believe the cause of the NGRA is a valid one and I strongly support it. Let’s face it the police alone can not defend the countries citizens against criminals at all times island wide and decent, law abiding and responsible citizens making and attempt to protect the lives of themselves and there families should not be seen as people being funny. I don’t believe that only the rich, politicians, and there friends alone deserve the right. I wonder to which of the above mentioned groups you belong,
i do not belong to any of those groups , but i am concerned about trying to find a real solution to Jamaica’s huge gun crime problem. Come on, you only have to look at the stats from America that show that gun control and more regulation is the answer – not to go out and join the NGRA. And that applies to the rich and the politicians doubly so.
O.k. I also agree it’s a huge problem that needs to the full attention of all Jamaicans. But i believe that strict gun control and regulations already exist here. America’s states that have the lowest gun murder rate are states that have a more relaxed gun control and regulation policies. While states such as New York, Chicago, Philly etc, with strict policies have a higher rate. And its not licences fire arm holders and the police (well most of them) that add to the Killing of innocent people, its the gun men only we has no regulations and no control policies they get there weapons regardless of the efforts of the police and customs and lets face it, it not slowing up anytime soon think of it this way for every 10 guns they get off the street 100 more comes in. To get back to a peaceful Jamaica that my grandparents talk about some tuff decisions have to be made, but for now I just want to be prepared to protect my life the lives of my family and fellow citizens as we try to go back to those days.
Let me just add a little contribution to the topic. No one is bullet proof and if gunmen (animals) felt that their attempt to rob, rape, and murder at any time of day would likely be foiled because more people have access to licenced firearms they would certainly think twice. As it is now, they do whatever in broad day light because if the police aren’t around who will challenge stop them? Certainly not the stone wielding hero/ heroine. It is a fact that one can’t bring a knife to a gun fight!
I don’t see the harm in having a firearm for your protection. It harms no one unless improperly handled or deliberately used. We all need to get one thing straight and that is people kill people, not weapons (tools). If one wants to kill he could also use a book (bible) and deliver serious injuries to one’s head. I guess maybe then they would wanna put control on that. The FLA’s system is only geared towards the wealthy and well connected, if you don’t believe see how they assess an applicant’s worthiness.
One more thing. In 2006, Trevor Macmillan debated in parliament and wanted more citizens to have access. Now, he is the Hon. Trevor Macmillan, Minister of National Security who is in charge of the Firearm Licensing Authority in Jamaica and I have not seen anything being done to facilitate this. Perhaps he has changed his views now that he is Minister. Someone needs to find out where his stance is and why is he allowing the chairman to seemingly do as he pleases with the lives of people.
Does anyone have any contact information for teh National Gun Rights Association ?
jubba and dre – i am interested in your comments and certainly understand the practical reality of life on the streets – living on a road and hearing that there was a burglary and a rape a couple of doors away and feeling the need to protect yourself from that. I’ve been in that situation, but my thinking is not to arm myself. the gun laws are woefully inadequate in jamaica – not nearly strict enough! and the states does not prove your point jubba – look at the gun laws in europe and you will really get a truse picture of what proper gun control means – a very low rate of gun crime.
Jamaica does need to concentrate on controlling the ports. The guns coming in from Haiti and everywhere else – all coming in and you never hear of a clamp down on trying to sort this out. It was the politicians who shipped in huge quantities in the 1980’s remember so I don’t expect this issue to be tackled, but oh how i wish it were.
Dre – contacts for NGRA I do not have but i’m sure you can find them though jamaica’s rifle association – they’re a quite a good bunch down there !
In fact they have tried to clamp down on the ports machines special X-ray machines, metal detectors and the introduction of Danville Walker, more coastguard boats ect. dont get me wrong they have been trying but as i said they just cant manage. we all are jamaican here we know we are a unique and passionate in whatever we do wheter it be for good or evel and thats just a fact. u caan compare jamaica to these places who have systems inplace to protect there citizens, as u call police they are there, more than enuff to patrol there streets. well i am trying to get some contact info for them but no one knows really the chairman was on smile jamaica one mornin but never left a contact as for, JRA, i think even if they had they wouldnt casue i am just thinking is the same politicain, rich and friends link up lol. I will keep trying to find a contact but if any of u guys find it first please inform me
Mario239303, As jubba said you can’t compare Jamaica with these first world countries. They have the resources and the will to aid them. As for jamaica where corruption is rampant and the rich gets it their way, while the poor are barred from the same means of protection. It hurts when you are not regarded as a human being should be, when your right to life is reduced because of your low net worth.
If there is a system which aids in the protection of one’s life but only the rich can qualify. Is it not a fair assumption that the poor will perish? Is it fair to watch your mother and sister being raped and/ or murdered and you cant do anything because your stone can’t match the gun? If the rich can have that protection, why can’t the poor?
Guns don’t kill people, people kill people! It’s just a tool!
I am the Chairman of the NGRA. I look forward to hearing directly from you guys at ngraJamaica@yahoo.com or you can call me at 876-379-0557
We must be placed in a position to be able to defend our lives and that of our families. The gunmen are able to get guns from wherever they want. The citizens who play by the rules are hampered by the stupid system set up by our politicians. We need to get guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens. I guarantee you that the gunmen will think twice before coming to kick down your door. Your house is your castle even if it is a hut. You have the same right as the King to defend your life and property.
Shawn Johnson
i just need to re-iterate my views on this matter, yes people do kill people, but people with guns make the killing a whole lot easier. supplying guns to more people does not in any way solve this problem. in fact here is a link to the campaign
Mario, the evidence that we have looked at suggests that more guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens always reflect a lower crime rate in those countries or States. If you can identify one country that has a higher crime rate because it allows easy access of guns to its law-abiding citizens, I will be happy to take a look at it. You cannot argue a point without providing some empirical evidence.
I have been monitoring this blog and i’m yet to see a response from Mario239303. So Mario if you are out there, i’m begging for a response to what Mr. johnson last posted. Thanks!
I know Dre – i didn’t respond because i thought somebody else might!! It seems obvious to me that the empirical eveidence is out there. the USA all over has a higher crime rate because of the availability of guns. In fact i’ll even go to the effort of finding the stats. quick search yields …”Homicide rates tend to be related to firearm ownership levels. Everything else being equal, a reduction in the percentage of households owning firearms should occasion a drop in the homicide rate”.
Evidence to the Cullen Inquiry 1996: Thomas Gabor, Professor of Criminology – University of Ottawa
more recently in 2001, there were nearly 4 homicides per 100,000 of the population compared to 0.4 homicides in canada.
full info here http://www.gun-control-network.org/GF01.htm
how much stark a difference can you get?? the only difference between the us and canada are its gun control laws.
Shawn Johnson needs to watch Michael Moore’s bowling for columbine film. i rest my case.
Hi
My name is Melissa
I’m a 27 years old female living in jamaica
Now, what is it that a young female like my self need to have
to get a gun permitt
Too much of us are die daily
due to no protection
I need to protect myself and family
So can you reply to me as soon as possible
Thank in advance — and i also need training
hi melissa – i met a young woman at the Jamaica Rifle association practising her shooting. So I guess that’s the place. It’s near the national stadium in Kingston. I read recently that the authorities were clamping down on giving out permits to the JRA. But I guess they are the best place to phone first if you’re serious about tooling yourself up. What has got you so jumpy that you need to do this now? Is there no other way forward? all the best Nina
The weaponization of Jamaican society has become a major wedge issue and both sides of the debate do posit interesting arguments.But, from where I stand, I do not see the gun laws becoming more liberal any time soon.
it wont matter to criminals if guns are illegalized… duh.
if guns are outlawed in jamaica, only outlaws will have them. let people take care of themselves, the right to self defense is a right no government should restrict.
Let me help out on this case. I live in the U.S. I live in the city of Kennesaw, Georgia to be exact. In the 80’s, Kennesaw passed a law REQUIRING every home owner to own at least one firearm in order to defend their family and home. Within 3 years of this law being passed, the number of violent crimes dropped almost 85%. It has stayed this low ever since. Think Logically: Who is going to want to break in a house when they KNOW there is a gun waiting for them on the inside?