— Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is considering making it easier for business owners to obtain licensed firearms as concerns grow over gun-related robberies targeting businesses.

Browne said the current process can make it too difficult for business operators to obtain firearms and argued that some liberalization of the licensing policy is warranted.

“We think that sometimes it’s too difficult for business people to get a firearm, and we feel that there should be some liberalization there,” Browne said.

The prime minister said business owners have become increasingly vulnerable to armed criminals, adding that security cameras alone may not provide sufficient protection because offenders often conceal their identities.

“The time has come now for us to arm these shop operators, these business people,” Browne said, arguing that knowing business owners may be armed could serve as a deterrent.

Browne stressed that any expansion of firearm access would have to include safeguards.

He said licensed business owners should undergo firearm training and be required to securely store their weapons, including keeping them in a vault at home to prevent access by children and reduce the risk of accidents or misuse.

Browne said the government believes the increase in illegal firearms and gun-related violence warrants a review of existing policy to provide greater protection for business owners.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: Browne Wants Easier Firearm Access for Business Owners Amid Robbery Surge.