Home Minister pledges to smooth arms licensing procedure

"We have moved mountains. We will not be deterred by the last few hills." This is how AMACS president Stephen A. Petroni referred to the association's achievement in securing new arms legislation and its determination to resolve outstanding issues with the licensing procedure.

Mr Petroni was speaking at the New Year buffet dinner, organised by the Association of Maltese Arms Collectors and Shooters (AMACS) on Friday at the Le Méridien St Julian's. Following a presentation rounding up AMACS organisation and events in 2006, Mr Petroni addressed the numerous members and distinguished guests.

He described the association as an extraordinary organisation that had not only introduced new shooting sports into Malta, but actually created the legal framework within which such sporting activities could be held. Malta now has the most sensible gun law in the EU.

The Arms Act offers licensed enthusiasts the possibility to practise their sport and hobby against a high degree of security. This is a reflection of the association's firm belief that rights come with responsibilities.

The AMACS president referred to hiccups in the police licensing system, which need to be addressed immediately. It was to be expected that teething troubles would be encountered as the new Act came into force and some police officers are doing their utmost to cope.

However, the association could not tolerate poor management, which is causing unnecessary inconvenience to members. Incorrect interpretation in some cases could also result in a weakening of the security element.

Mr Petroni mentioned other problems which members were encountering with the Customs Department. All these could be resolved if the authorities consulted the association.

He explained how the association enjoys a high international profile. Its diligence in enacting the new arms legislation has earned it high esteem among the international organisations that cater for arms collectors and sports shooters, a fact proved by Mr Petroni's election to the office of chairman of the Foundation of European Societies of Arms Collectors (FESAC) last November.

AMACS was grateful to the Armed Forces of Malta for their invaluable support by allowing the association to use its ranges for club events. As it were, the AFM ranges are the incubator for the growth of target shooting sports in Malta.

There will soon come a time when AMACS will operate its own ranges and the association would reciprocate the AFM's support.

Finally, Mr Petroni described the AMACS membership card as a badge of distinction. It was only issued to applicants who had proved their commitment to the hobby and sports and who are ready to abide by the association's strict rules.

AMACS distances itself from other shooting organisations that pursue a limited agenda and which do not vet applicants properly.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Tonio Borg congratulated the association on its achievements and thanked its members for their firm commitment to their responsibilities.

He described the process leading to the coming into force of the Act as one of open consultation with AMACS and its representatives. He was aware of the teething troubles in the licensing procedure and he said he would be taking steps to ensure that solutions would be found to the problems referred to by the AMACS president.

He concluded by showing his appreciation that the association not only pointed out problems but also offered solutions.

The other official guests included Opposition spokesman on Education, Youth and Culture, Carmelo Abela, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, Charles Deguara, AFM Commander Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, Weapons Board chairman Brig. John Spiteri and Malta Sports Council chairman Franco Azzopardi.

AMACS (www.amacs-malta.org) is composed of six clubs with a combined membership of over 800 persons. The association will be opening a new premises in Naxxar next month.