BELMOPAN, Belize, Jun 3, CMC – The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) its says its core mandate is the protection of public safety through the responsible and accountable regulation of firearms in Belize.
“The Board reiterates that reforms introduced over the past year are intended to reinforce due diligence, reduce administrative vulnerabilities, and align Belize with international security standards, not to create undue burdens for responsible applicant,” the FACB said as it responded to public statements made by the gun dealers here.
One of the dealers, Abner Murillo, the owner of Lock N’ Loaded, says that since the FACB was established last year, there has not been proper communication with members of the public on the changes implemented when acquiring a gun license.
Murillo said upstanding citizens like farmers and business owners are being frustrated in their attempt to gain the necessary documentation to acquire a license and that the good is paying for the bad.
He contends that the statistics paint a picture of unfair treatment.
“Every other day we are having farmers come here that are extremely frustrated, people that are planting crops, people farming, people loosing livestock, because the changes that they brought to the firearm licensing process is extremely tedious and they are not communicating things,” he said.
But in its statement, the FACB said that while it understands the frustration some applicants may feel “however, it is our duty to ensure that firearm access is granted only after thorough due diligence,” adding “this protects not only the applicants but the wider public”.
The FACB said it “categorically refutes” Murillo’s claim that applicants are now required to present two forms of identification, saying that the current policy, as outlined in the official application materials, requires only one valid form of government-issued identification, and there has been no change to this requirement.
“Any deviation from this procedure should be reported directly to the Board for immediate review,” the FACB said, acknowledging the unique challenges experienced by applicants in rural and remote areas and that it is working actively to implement systems that improve accessibility and minimize unnecessary delays or travel.
It said contrary to allegations of poor communication, the FACB has taken steps to ensure transparency, including regular consultations with licensed dealers, the use of digital platforms, and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders.
“The Board emphasized that gun dealers play an important role in ensuring applicants are properly informed and adequately prepared to navigate the licensing process. Their input is valued, and the Board remains open to continued dialogue aimed at strengthening and improving the overall system,” it added.
The FACB has confirmed that Murillo has filed legal action against it, adding that “as the matter is currently before the court, the Board will not comment on the specifics of the case out of respect for the judicial process.
“The Board notes that while it is encouraging that licensed firearm users are generally compliant with the law, this alone does not eliminate the need for strict oversight. In the current environment, where high-powered illegal weapons are being intercepted on a weekly basis, the Board emphasized that Belize cannot afford to take shortcuts in its regulatory processes. Maintaining rigorous standards is essential to safeguarding public safety and national security..”
CMC/ah/ir/2025