Minister Backs Firearms Board Amid Criticism from Gun Dealers

Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa is standing by the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board, even as gun dealers raise serious concerns about the licensing process. Gun dealer Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded, has publicly criticized the system, saying it’s making it harder for law-abiding citizens to get the licenses they need for personal protection. He claims the process is slow, unclear, and unfair. Minister Musa responded by saying Murillo has every right to speak out, but he also questioned the dealer’s motives. Musa defended the board, calling it a step toward greater transparency and accountability in how firearm licenses are issued.

 

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“He obviously has a right to protest regulations. Obviously a lot of gun dealers thrived when we had zero regulations with the issuing of gun licenses. WE heard many horror stories, instances of corruption, instances of paying off to get a gun license. A lot of unsavory individuals getting gun license and we have pivoted away from that. I know that is going to harm the business of gun dealers and this guy is a gun dealer right, so it going to harm his business naturally. But, he has to understand, we are operating under new circumstances, under regulations and I think the board has been doing an exceptionally good job in terms of the issuance, the vetting for gun licensing, the imposing of the requirement that you have to get a certificate that you know how to use a firearm. These are positive things, so instead of applauding these things, he is out there complaining because he is not making the kind of money he use to. I have to respect that, but at the end of the day my duty is to the Belizean people to make sure we have proper regulations in place.”

 

As the debate continues, applicants and gun owners say they just want a system that works, one that’s fair, efficient, and keeps everyone safe.