Jamaica to raise annual firearm license fee from $6,000

[ericire12]

http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/17193/26/

The Government has announced that it will be hiking gun licensing fees.

The tax increase will affect approximately 35,000 persons who are licensed firearm holders in Jamaica.

Minister of National Security Senator Dwight Nelson, who announced plans for the increase in Parliament on Wednesday, said the new fees will be used to offset the administrative expenses of the Firearms Licensing Authority.

However, Senator Nelson did not indicate the rate of increase.

It currently costs $6,000 annually to renew a gun license.

Finance Minister Audley Shaw is expected to provide details when he makes his Budget Presentation next week.

Senator Nelson says the increase has become necessary as the Firearms Licensing Authority is to become a self financing entity.

"The new rates have been approved and the increased funds arising from the new rates will be expected to offset the operating cost of the Authority," said Senator Nelson.   

The budget for the Firearms Licensing Authority has been slashed from $208 million in 2008/2009 to $173 million this financial year.

In the meantime, it has also been announced that the licensing system is to be changed.

Firearm holders will now be required to renew their licenses on their birthday instead of April 1 as now exists.

And the National Gun Rights Association is upset at the decision to hike firearm fees.

President of the Association, Sean John, said the move is a step in the wrong direction especially in light of the country's high crime rate.

"The idea that someone has a firearm license as a privilege has to get out of the mindset of the political directorate. It is not a privilege for someone to have a firearm. People have a firearm to protect their lives and property,"

"They have gone about to set up a bureaucracy that is costing the country millions of dollars prior to that the police had the responsibility to issue firearm licenses it did not cost the government anything extra," said Mr. John.   

He is calling for the Firearm Licensing Authority to be disbanded and its responsibilities returned to the police.

[Hazcat]

6K!  WOW!

[blackwolfe]

$6000 x 35,000 = $210,000,000.  I'm sure the politicians and bureaucrats in DC and some states would love a scheme like this.  Of coarse it won't be a tax, but a user fee.

[ericire12]

$6000 x 35,000 = $210,000,000.  I'm sure the politicians and bureaucrats in DC and some states would love a scheme like this.  Of coarse it won't be a tax, but a user fee.

The idea has been tossed around..... and Jamaica is the poster child for why it does not work...... for one, govt has never been able to control costs so you would see regular fee increases...... two, it takes all accountability away for those making firearm regulations and issuing permits. No longer do you have the power to make a statement at the poles and vote the bums out.... all decisions are made through officials who do not hold an elected public office.