Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Robert Montague has noted that the report brought forth by the Integrity Commissions about the issuance of gun licenses and corruption within the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), is “grossly misrepresentative and incomplete.”
Montague shared in a statement that the report issued by several media houses yesterday serves as an abusive ploy to spread misinformation as it failed to take into consideration that all actions concerning the referenced issue were informed and guided by the recommendation of a panel of experts during his tenure as Minister of National Security.
According to reports, both Montague and Former National Security Minister Peter Bunting, have been accused of approving licenses for persons with criminal traces, who were initially found unfit to hold a firearm by the FLA from 2012 to 2018 respectively
It is also said that Mr. Montague approved six such licenses while Mr. Bunting approved two.
Montague however maintains that he is aware of the report tabled by the Integrity Commission in the House of Representatives concerning his then fulfillment of statutory duty to assess and decide on the issuance of gun licenses to a range of people who appealed having been initially denied.
“Please note that the Integrity Commission report has NOT accused me of breaking any laws or doing anything illegal. They have NOT recommended any actions with regards to me. Some media houses, however, have gone ahead and are suggesting wrongdoing and breaches of the law. I am tired of being targeted and abused by the media,” Montague exclaimed.
“The report is grossly misrepresentative and incomplete. It is unfortunate that before the tabling of the report, despite a suggestion made to me that I’d be given the courtesy, I was not fully allowed to respond to that which the commission sought to assert as “facts”, Montague added.
The Minister further compounded his stance; noting that everyone should be given a fair chance to allow the due process to take its course.
“Every Jamaican citizen regardless of their station or status in society deserves to be afforded the full courtesy of natural justice. Every citizen has a right to be heard or to respond to accusations. This due process was not fully afforded to me.” he notes.
Montague also shared that legal representation will be used to curtail this matter.
“I have retained a law firm, who is dealing with the matter. You will hear more. Despite the fact that the Integrity Commission report contained no adverse legal recommendations concerning me because I carried out my statutory function,” he stated.
