PORT OF SPAIN Magistrate Avason Quinlan yesterday questioned how a non-English-speaking person could be issued a firearm licence written in English.

The question came up after Jun Lan Chen appeared before Quinlan charged with possession of three rounds of ammunition. Chen, who was charged by way of summons, told the court that she could hardly read or write English.

’How could an English licence be issued to someone who cannot speak the language?’ Quinlan queried.

Chen, of Joannie Avenue, Hillsborough, Maraval, was charged with the offence after she went to the Maraval Police Station on October 21 last year to renew her permit, which was issued in 1998. Chen, who is allowed to have 25 rounds of ammunition, had three extra rounds.

Chen raised suspicion when she told the police that she could not speak or write English and she was out of the country for two years, thus preventing her from renewing her permit in 2007. According to law, gun owners must renew their permit every year.

Chen, the proprietor of a casino in Woodbrook, was represented by Wesmen James and will reappear in court today.