PNP Stands with Bunting Amid FLA Debacle

Chairman of the People’s National Party (PNP), Dr. Angella Brown Burke says the opposition is standing with its Spokesman on National Security, Senator Peter Bunting. This was after a damning integrity commission report into corruption allegations at the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) which named Bunting and former cabinet minister Robert Montague as ministers who approved licenses for persons with criminal backgrounds. 

Dr. Brown Burke says no adverse findings were made implicating Senator Bunting and therefore the Party continues to stand with him despite calls for his resignation. The report notes Senator Bunting, then National Security Minister approved firearm licenses on appeal for persons with a known criminal history. The debate has taken on fresh legs as then Minister, Robert Montague accused of doing the same has since tendered his resignation. 

Another accused in the matter is Deputy FLA Chairman Dennis Meadows, who has also tendered his resignation from several public boards. In tendering their resignations both JLP affiliates have also insisted they acted in accordance with the law, and have also sought legal representation. 

In the case of Mr. Bunting despite public pressure to follow suit while the investigations continue, he maintains he did nothing wrong and has also sought legal guidance. The PNP on Saturday noted that given Mr. Bunting’s statement that there was no adverse finding regarding his function as minister at the entity, they will not entertain calls for his removal from the senate.  

A protest planned by critics of the party is calling for Bunting’s removal from the senate is expected to get underway on Monday at 10. Additionally, there are more calls from civil society groups and bodies to include stand up for Jamaica for the opposition senator to step down. 

The advocacy group is demanding changes in relation to FLA as proposed by the prime minister in February on the Firearms Act and advocates that FLA become a parliament body.

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