The Firearms Act, Chapter 16:01 defines a firearm as "any lethal barrelled weapon from which ammunition can be discharged or any prohibited weapon, and includes any component part of any such weapon and accessory to any such weapon".

Today firearms are being used more frequently for protection. While this is so firearms are generally not recommended for self-defense. A firearm is an extremely dangerous weapon and this is reflected in the strict requirement and process stipulated by the laws of Trinidad and Tobago in order to possess one.

Permission has to be granted by the Commissioner of Police. An application form for the grant of a Firearm User's License can be purchased for 28 cents at any District Revenue Office. Together with this form a certificate of good character and medical certificates from a physician and optometrist is required. This is to ensure the applicant is capable of owning and handling a firearm.

In order to be considered the applicant should have never been convicted of a criminal offense and there must be a valid reason why the firearm is necessary. Relatively new to this process is an interview with the spouse of the applicant.

The completed form and attachments can be dropped off at any local police station or at the Firearm Section of the Police Administration Building. After being processed it is sent to the local police station of the applicant. The officers investigate the applicant and make a decision as to his suitability. A report is then prepared and sent to the Commissioner of Police. At this point the decision is made and permission is granted. If the applicant is unsuccessful he can appeal the decision at The Firearms Appeal Board. He will present his case and await judgement.

If permission is granted, the applicant, accompanied by a police officer will go to a registered firearm dealer to purchase the firearm and ammunition. It is mandatory that the applicant complete a firearm training course. This is given by many companies in Trinidad including the Rifle Association and Trestrail Limited. On completion a certificate is given. In addition, the firearm has to be licensed every year and this can be done at the local police station. A person possessing a firearm without a Firearm Users License on conviction and indictment will be fined $10,000 and face imprisonment for five years.

The police have an added responsibility when a firearm is purchased. They are called upon to ensure the safety of this weapon at all times. If the owner of a firearm is sick or leaving the country, the weapon should be lodged at the local police station to ensure its safety. In addition, if they believe the owner is no longer capable of using the firearm e.g. in cases of old age or poor eyesight they are responsible for removing the firearm.

Being responsible for a firearm is very important. You should never relax the amount of care with which you handle a gun. Always assume the gun is loaded so that unsafe handling will not have deadly repercussions.

Never point a gun at anything you are unwilling to destroy, most important of all are people. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction at all times. Do not point in the general direction of people because it creates panic and terror.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. The trigger is not for resting your finger between shots. It's very easy to fire the gun accidentally. Rest your finger on the trigger guard or on the body of the gun just above the trigger.

Always know your target before pulling the trigger. Make sure your backstop is clear because your bullet may ricochet and injure someone.

Keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it. Loading the gun before you need it can cause accidents.

Always check the load condition of any gun you handle. Never take someone's word that it is loaded or unloaded. Religiously check it.

Know your gun and how it works. Read the manual that comes with the gun. Clean your gun regularly to ensure it is working properly. If not, it should be fixed immediately.

Always use the correct ammunition on your gun. Store ammunition in original boxes.

Always wear eye and ear protection because gunfire involves smoke, fire and sometimes flying shell casings. Wear glasses that wrap around the sides or have protective side pieces. Use exterior muffs and interior plugs on your ear to prevent nerve damage and deafness.

When you are under the influence of alcohol, do not use your gun. You are responsible for your gun so do not lend, sell or transfer it to anyone. This is illegal and conviction on indictment is five years imprisonment.

Store your gun in a safe place away from unauthorized persons and children. Invest in some security products e.g. locks, cables etc. Do not keep your gun on display.

Gun proof your child to prevent unauthorized handling and accidents. Show them the gun and explain to them the importance of it. Educate them about the danger of handling a gun.

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