Dennis Meadows, former deputy chairman of the scandal-ridden Firearms Licensing Authority (FLA), is dismayed at suggestions—from the recently published Integrity Commission report on its probe—linking him and other high-ranking political officials to allegations of impropriety. 

In a statement reacting to the report, Meadows said he carefully notes the “adverse legal opinion” offered in the report with regards to breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act, among other laws, and forwarded the findings to his attorney for “consideration and possible legal remedy”.

The seasoned attorney, 55, added that amid the controversy, he has tendered immediate resignations from all public boards, including the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA). 

Still, Meadows, a former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) senator, declared a refusal to stand idly by as any political “scapegoat” and will “use the time afforded to fight vigorously and fiercely in the protection my reputation and good name”.

Robert Montague, a former national security minister one of three officials implicated in the Integrity Commission report (including Meadows and opposition senator Peter Bunting), resigned from the Andrew Holness-led Cabinet late Friday (March 11) after meeting with the prime minister. 

The Integrity Commission’s 245-page special investigation report detailed how the FLA provided gun permits to persons convicted of, or charged with, various criminal offences involving drugs, lottery scamming, and illegal possession of firearms.

• RELATED: Montague resigns with immediate effect

See Meadows’ statement in full below:

“I note with concern the published Report of the Integrity Commission on its Investigation of Allegations of Impropriety at the Firearm Licensing Authority where I served as its deputy chairman for the period April 2016 to August 2017.

The report reflects a gross misrepresentation of the facts and wittingly seeks to impugn my character and good name.

As it relates my brother-in-law (referenced X5) in the Report, if the Director of Investigation exercised a little more diligence in his duties, confirmation of my recusal and declaration of my relations could have been gleaned from my former board members during interview despite the absence of minuted evidence. My checks with my former board members revealed that they were never asked this critical question during their interviews. It must be noted that the licensing Committee didn’t not record minutes so as to safeguard against possible breach of security and confidential information. Further, the obvious seems to escape the Director of Investigation that my brother-in-law’s identity and relation could not have been known without my declaration at the board and during my interview with the then Contractor General (reflected in my witness statement in said Report). I am married to my wife who bears my name, not my brother-in-law. The board approved my brother-in-law application consistent with Section 2 of the Firearms Act. Notwithstanding his adverse traces, he is not deemed a restricted person under the law.

I’ve taken note of the adverse legal opinion offered in the Report as it relates to possible breaches of Corruption Prevention Act, Financial Management and Audit and Public Bodies Management Acts, and have forwarded same to my able attorney for consideration and possible legal remedy.

The published report begs the obvious questions; what motivated Mr Dalling’s reckless and possible illegal action in cherry-picking and revealing my brother in law’s confidential information to the media when it is pellucidly clear that a board approved his application. Why a deliberate attempt was made by Mr Dalling to link my name to an alleged 200 plus files with criminal traces.

Note, the report found 72 during the period 2012 to 2016. I was only on the board [between] Apr 2016 to Aug 2017. It’s noteworthy that Mr Dalling still holds the position of CEO, despite his recklessness and possible breach of the Data Protection and [Official] Secret Acts and exposing the FLA to costly legal liabilities.

I also take note of the Integrity Commission’s Recommendations which meets my full support and concurrence. In prior public statements, I have called for the Fit and Proper and Needs criteria to be codified in law to avoid a recurrence of this event. I am fully aware that persons with adverse criminal traces (though facilitated by law) are currently being approved by the current board. I ask the public not be fooled by the façade of integrity and clean hands by those who now lead the FLA. As recent as last year, a well-known political activist, now deceased, was approved for a firearm license despite his glaring adverse criminal traces. I publicly invite MOCA and the Integrity Commission to contact me for such information.

I urge the [Government] to use the opportunity afforded by the Bill to repeal the Firearms Act of 1967, to implement the Integrity Commission’s recommendations so as to remove discretionary powers from the FLA Board and [National Security] Minister. Anything less, will ensure a repeat of this unfortunate episode.

In light of this controversy, I have taken the appropriate steps, without prompting, to immediately resign from all State boards which includes the Western Regional Health Authority, River Rafting Authority and the Falmouth Hospital Management Committee. I believe that the principles of good governance demand this action. I will use the time afforded to fight vigorously and fiercely in the protection my reputation and good name. I will be nobody’s scapegoat.”