Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley has moved to allay fears over firearm legislation affecting rifle clubs and the upcoming Island Games.Mr Dunkley said a full review of firearms legislation is coming, with recently passed amendments only being a measure to allow shooting competitions for the Island Games.“There was indeed consultation with the rifle clubs before these amendments were passed, “ Mr Dunkley said. “I accept that some of their issues were not addressed in the 2013 Amendment, but that does not mean that they were ignored.“The Ministry must first be concerned with the safety of the Island and its residents, and hence in this current climate, releasing pistols from the Police Guard, and having it publicised, is simply not in the best interest of community safety.“I can assure that the team at the Ministry will conduct a full review of the Firearms legislation and will continue to consult with the rifle clubs to reach compromise.”Recently several representatives for the Island’s rifle clubs spoke out about what they view as oppressive regulations and the prohibitive cost of gun licences.They noted that the law makes no distinction between different types of firearm — treating an air rifle or paintball gun the same as a revolver.And David Dumont, president of the Coral Reefs Rifles and Pistols Club, expressed concern that recent amendments allow for 12-month licences, but not licence renewals.A Public Safety spokeswoman said that nothing in the original act or the recent amendments prohibits the renewal of licences for locals.“Overseas guests do not have the option of applying for 12 month licenses,” the spokeswoman said. “This provision has been provided specifically for Bermudians so that they may practice locally, continuously over a period of time, in preparation for a sanctioned shooting competition.“Local target shooters can apply for a license renewal at the end of the 12 month period, and the Commissioner of Police will continue to exercise his discretion in the grant of any firearm license.”The spokeswoman added that due to the current climate of gun violence, the ownership and access to firearms, including air pistols, must be strictly controlled.“These weapons are the weapon of choice for the few in the community who would use firearms for criminal activity, and have the potential to use dangerous means to obtain lethal weapons,” the spokeswoman said.“When choosing between the safety of the Island and the sporting hobbies of a relatively small sector of the community, the Ministry must put safety first.“It should be noted that the Ministry of Public Safety has undertaken to completely review and update the Firearms Act 1973. Much of the language in the Act is outdated and some of the prohibitions and restrictions do not reflect Bermuda’s current climate.“As a complete update of the Act will take some time, the 2013 amendments were made to allow Bermuda to host shooting competitions during the Island Games and to allow local target shooters to practice locally for these Games and other international target shooting events.”