Brown Sues FLA for $9 Million Over Delayed Certificates

The single sharpest fact is Kent Brown, a former dealer, is pursuing nearly $9 million in damages against the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), claiming the agency's failure to issue renewal certificates after approving his licences led to the collapse of his businesses.

Kent Brown is a well-established figure in Jamaica's firearms industry. He first obtained a firearm user's licence in 1987, a firearms trainer's licence in 2006, and opened his firearms range, KBTTC, around 2007 or 2008. He expanded his business by opening KBA Dealers Jamaica Limited in 2011 as a firearms dealer. Brown said he successfully and continuously renewed his licences for 11 years until the FLA delayed issuing certificates for his renewed licences in 2021.

The lawsuit claims Brown incurred costs amounting to $954,000 for the Jamaica Public Service, an internet service, and closed user group costs of $648,000. He also paid KingAlarm monitoring and response charges of $240,000, salary and severance costs of $5,200,000, rental payments and maintenance of $1,260,000, and company car expenses of $522,000.

Brown's lawyer, Hugh Wildman, said the lawsuit has a strong case, and they are waiting on the Supreme Court registry for a hearing date. Brown claimed the FLA's negligence caused the closure of his firearms range and two businesses, resulting in a loss of $120 million per year.

In a nine-page response, the FLA's CEO, Shane Dalling, disputed Brown's claims, stating his renewal application forms were incomplete. The FLA's failure to issue certificates after approving Brown's licences has significant implications for his businesses. As a firearms dealer, Brown relied on those certificates to operate his business, including importing and selling firearms. Without the certificates, Brown was unable to renew his licences, which led to the collapse of his businesses.

The lawsuit has been ongoing since March 2022, with the FLA filing a defence in 2023. However, no hearing date has been set yet. The case has dragged on for more than a year, causing significant delays.

The incident highlights the importance of timely and efficient service delivery by government agencies. The FLA's delay in issuing certificates has caused significant financial losses for Brown and his businesses. Government agencies should prioritize their services to ensure they meet the needs of stakeholders. Efficient service delivery is essential for businesses like Brown's to operate smoothly.

“We're waiting on the Supreme Court registry. We've filed our pleadings, and it's a very strong case,” said Hugh Wildman, Brown's lawyer.

The case has yet to be resolved, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of effective service delivery and timely resolution of issues by government agencies. Agencies need to prioritise their services and avoid delays that can lead to significant financial losses.