Maroon Queen wants more legal firearms for women

Reggae artiste Maroon Queen believes that the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) should make a concerted effort to reach out to qualified and interested females to apply for gun licences, given the surging crime levels in the island.

"Gun licences should be easier for women to access in Jamaica. The only persons with easy access to guns are criminals," Maroon Queen suggested.

DANGEROUS PLACE

Maroon Queen, whose given name is Semonie Giles, said that she was well aware of the criminal elements at work in Jamaica two years ago.

"I understand that Jamaica has become a dangerous place. I have almost been a victim of extortionists. I was robbed the other day, and I couldn't prevent that from happening. Criminals have way too much power in this country. They can take our lives at a whim," she said.

The FLA has maintained that there is no bias against women in the granting of licences. Statistics provided by the entity indicate that in the last five years, 57.5 per cent, or 898 of the 1,560 female applicants, were granted firearm licences.