The federal government of Dominica has unveiled a slate of pressing measures to fight rising gun violence, together with a restricted gun amnesty, the formation of a particular firearms activity pressure, and monetary rewards for info resulting in the seizure of unlawful weapons.
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The announcement got here Monday from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who addressed the nation alongside Nationwide Safety Minister Rayburn Blackmoore, Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette, and senior legislation enforcement officers. The measures comply with a collection of violent incidents, together with the capturing of a South Korean crew member from the Logos Hope vessel final week in Roseau.
“These incidents, brazen and reckless, have disrupted the peace and shaken the sense of security that we maintain pricey as a individuals,” stated Skerrit. “Let me be clear: this authorities won’t tolerate lawlessness.”
The injured Logos Hope crew member, who was shot within the buttocks whereas strolling within the capital, underwent surgical procedure on the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and has since been discharged.
Skerrit stated that after returning to the nation on Sunday, he held an emergency safety assembly, ensuing within the following key measures:
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Institution of a devoted Firearms Job Power comprising personnel from the Police CID, Particular Department, K9 Unit, Customs and Excise Division, Coast Guard, and Nationwide Joint Intelligence Centre (NJIC).
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Confidential hotline for reporting unlawful firearms, with a reward of EC$1,000 for ideas that result in seizures.
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Restricted gun amnesty, permitting residents to give up unlawful firearms with out concern of prosecution.
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Ban on tinted home windows in rental autos.
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Engagement of a particular prosecutor to deal with all main gun-related circumstances.
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Rapid improve in police foot and cellular patrols, significantly in Roseau.
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Nationwide set up of surveillance cameras, beginning within the capital.
Particulars relating to the amnesty’s length and firearm drop-off protocols might be supplied by the police, Skerrit stated.
“Dominica is a peaceable nation, and we won’t allow our streets to grow to be battlegrounds,” he declared. “We’ll discover you. We’ll disarm you. And we’ll prosecute you to the fullest extent of the legislation.”
Commissioner Corbette disclosed that 11 murders have occurred in Dominica thus far this 12 months, 4 of them involving firearms. He confirmed that suspects have been recognized in three circumstances: Ian Alfred, Brent Alexander, and Jamal Ismael Alexis—all thought-about armed and harmful.
Since mid-June, police have made 4 arrests and seized seven firearms, 84 rounds of ammunition, 16 bikes, three autos, and 1.1 kilograms of cocaine, along with EC$15,000 in money.
Total for the 12 months, police have seized 49 firearms and 289 rounds of ammunition, together with three high-powered AR-15-type rifles. Corbette emphasised the seriousness of those findings: “These are weapons of conflict, and they don’t belong on the streets of Dominica.”
Historic figures present a troubling pattern:
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2022: 92 firearms, 2,140 rounds seized
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2023: 35 firearms, 1,651 rounds
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2024 to this point: 27 firearms, 764 rounds
In complete, 175 individuals have been arrested for firearm-related offenses over the previous 4 years.
Minister Blackmoore rejected current requires his resignation, asserting that public security should take priority. “If we would like protected streets, we should permit the police, with purpose, to hold out their duties,” he stated, urging residents to cooperate with legislation enforcement.
Skerrit concluded by thanking the police for his or her service and reaffirming authorities assist: “You’ve gotten the total assist of this Authorities, when you perform your duties inside the confines of the structure and legal guidelines of Dominica.”
