Mr. Warren is quite right (‘Man disputes firearms check’, Caymanian Compass 16 April 2008).
There is no statutory power of entry into his home to inspect his storage facilities.
However, perhaps a view of the bigger picture may place this into some sort of context.
If the Cayman Islands is to ensure that gun crime does not become as endemic as it is in other Caribbean countries or the USA, then it is for everyone to be vigilant.
The Customs department must be vigilant to ensure that unauthorised firearms are not brought into the islands. The police service must be vigilant to ensure that any unauthorised firearms are removed form the streets and that authorised firearms are held in a manner befitting the potential danger they pose.
And the firearms certificate holder has a duty of care in relation to their firearms and in particular to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands.
It is for the Commissioner of Police to ensure that only fit and proper people are granted a firearms certificate and it is the RCIPS that must conduct the checks that he feels are necessary in order to meet his obligations.
I would suggest that as a minimum, those checks should include a face-to-face interview with the applicant, an investigation into their need to hold a firearm, a background and convictions check and an inspection of the security under which they propose to keep the firearm.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to assist the process by providing all necessary information and permitting access for inspection of storage facilities.
If Mr. Warren had refused to allow his storage facilities to be inspected I would suggest that that would be grounds for the Commissioner to refuse to grant or renew his certificate although the Firearms Law 1998 revision does allow an appeal to the Governor in Council under such circumstances.
Perhaps Mr, Warren, who, as a long time user of firearms, will understand the very grave danger they hold when in the wrong hands, should be grateful that the Commissioner and the RCIPS carry out their duties in this respect so diligently.
Ashley Tiffen
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