Press Release: Firearms and Ammunition Control Board Attends Study Visit to Jamaica Licensing Authority

For Immediate Release

October 7, 2024

City of Belmopan, Belize – Members of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) recently participated in an insightful study visit to the Jamaica Licensing Authority, marking a key step in furthering Belize’s efforts toward enhancing firearms licensing and regulatory procedures.

The delegation, composed of members of the FACB, visited the Jamaica Licensing Authority to learn about best practices and strategies related to firearms control, public safety, and regulatory compliance. Through discussions and site visits, the FACB team gained an in-depth understanding of the operations and systems that have contributed to the success of the Jamaica Licensing Authority in these areas. The visit, held from September 25-27, 2024, included presentations and tours to showcase the Authority’s operational processes.

This initiative aligns with the FACB’s ongoing commitment to strengthen Belize’s firearms regulatory system and ensure effective enforcement of regulations, while improving the overall transparency and efficiency of firearms licensing procedures.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and Chair of the FACB, Sharole Carr-Saldivar, expressed her confidence in the impact of this study visit:

“Our visit to the Jamaica Licensing Authority has been instrumental in broadening our understanding of firearms management and control. We are committed to adopting best practices that will enhance Belize’s regulatory frameworks and contribute to improved public safety.”

As part of the visit, the FACB team was given a comprehensive tour of Jamaica’s Licensing Authority’s operational facilities and participated in workshops on various aspects of firearms control, including data management, licensing protocols, and measures to combat the illegal firearms trade.

This collaboration forms part of the FACB’s broader strategy to modernize Belize’s firearms licensing and control systems, including adopting innovative solutions that promote safety, accountability, and transparency. The FACB remains committed to adhering to international commitments and agreements on firearms control, ensuring compliance with the standards of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap and international obligations. This regional initiative seeks to address the proliferation of illicit firearms and ammunition, to strengthen coordination and cooperation among Caribbean nations in reducing armed violence, and to promote public safety.

The FACB looks forward to applying the lessons learnt from Jamaica’s experience to enhance its systems and procedures, ensuring that Belize remains vigilant in its firearms management efforts.

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