UNC queries Brian’s gun licence ‘in record time’

"The UNC views this decision by Commissioner of Police, Trevor Paul, as unequivocal evidence of inequality in treatment of applicants for gun licence," the party stated in a release.

Noting that there were many nationals who were more deserving of gun licences, the UNC said Brian Manning’s application was processed ahead of more than 1,000 others applications. It added that some of the applications had been pending for many months, and were filed by victims of violent crimes.

"The UNC asks that commis-sioner Paul explain the criteria in granting provisional gun licences," the party said. It urged Paul to assure Trinidad and Tobago that he was not a politically malleable Police Commissioner who could be easily influenced or coerced by the Government, or its agents.

The party said it viewed Paul’s actions in this matter as further justification to ensure that the PM is not granted the veto power in appointing a Commissioner of Police.

The UNC added that it also interpreted Brian Manning’s application for the gun licence as a vote of no confidence in the Police Service, since, as a member of the Prime Minister’s family, he enjoys protection by the country’s law enforcement agencies.