Jamaica: Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched the Jamaica Rifle Association Master Class competition on Saturday, April 23, 2022. The government has launched initiatives to structure firearm ownership and usage in Jamaica properly.
PM Holness wrote, “As the government continues its crackdown on guns, and given the New Firearms Act, I want to reassure the country that it is not the intention of the government to see the end of the sport of rifle shooting or the work of the rifle association.”
Earlier on the same day, Prime Minister Holness encouraged the youth generation in the inaugural installation of the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica.
He stated, “My Administration remains committed to youth development and youth empowerment. It is important that our young people are engaged, and their voices are heard.”
PM Holness said:
- I am signalling the Jamaican public that the new Firearms Act will harshly punish anyone found with an illegal gun.
- However, the legislation will also promote the safe and legal means for citizens to own and use firearms.
- As a society, we must unanimously condemn the illegal possession of firearms.
The Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, has announced that Jamaica is strengthening its advocacy for an extension for the upcoming CSEC and CAPE exams.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Secondary Students’ Council, conducted a survey asking students about their preparedness for the CSEC & CAPE EXAMS. They expressed the need for additional time to prepare for the sitting of these exams.
As such, the Ministry has taken steps to raise these concerns. Minister Williams wrote Kay McConney, chair of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social (COHSOD) Development and requested a crucial meeting to discuss Jamaica’s call for an extension.
Further, on the same day, PM Holness also addressed the people of Jamaica, where he said, “We are currently undertaking the process of debating the new firearms legislation; the outcome of which is to ensure that there is a far better-regulated space for the private ownership of firearms.”
