Minister of Justice, Immigration and National Security Rayburn Blackmoore is of the belief that anyone found with an illegal firearm, especially one used to commit a crime, should be sent to jail for a “very long” period of time upon conviction.
He also said that he has a plan to rid the island’s streets of illegal guns.
“I strongly believe anyone who is found with an illegal firearm, especially when that firearm is used to commit a crime, upon conviction, should automatically go to jail for a very long period of time,” Blackmoore said in a statement just after Carnival celebrations ended in Dominica.
The police have reported two shooting incidents just after Carnival ended. One incident took place in Roseau and the other in Grand Bay. The victims were hospitalized in both cases.
Blackmoore said violence, “especially gun violence must be stamped out.”
He said he has a plan to tackle gun violence in Dominica.
“I have requested and received a plan from the police to rid our streets from illegal firearms. The possibility of further strengthening of our laws is something that has to be given serious consideration,” he stated.
Two police officers were injured during Carnival Monday and Blackmoore said they are home and are recovering well.
“Let us wish them well,” he noted.
He had a strong message for those who attack policemen.
“Police officers have the authority in law to use reasonable force during the execution of their duties,” he stated. “So please desist from attacking the police.”
Meantime, on behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, he commended the Chief of Police, Daniel Carbon and the men and women of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, for what he said was “an exceptional display of service to country and commitment to the job during the Carnival season, in particular, the two days of street jump-up.”
“Police officers were seen and felt all over the city,” he stated.
Blackmoore also commended the general public who he said, “conducted themselves well.”
This is just more empty talk from Rayburn. There is nothing wrong with the laws on the books. It’s a felony to assault or use an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the commission of a crime in Dominica. The 800 pound gorilla in the room is this: Will felonies be investigated properly by competent personnel thereby eliminating thugs from walking away “Scott-Free,” on legal technicalities? And while you’re at it, publish the conviction rate from the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office for the last 12 months ending in December, 2016. You see Rayburn, those of us with basic common sense, can decipher all your empty talk in a few seconds. For victims of crime on the island, including police officers and the ardent “Red Supporters,” you will continue to play tricks on them. A nice pie chart or bar graph would suffice. The more words that I read from you and Francine, is the emptier you guys sound.
Blackmore can you tell us what happened to the guns that came in thru custom and that your Police Force picked up at the port, were they used in the riot in Roseau, you have a lot of hot air coming from your mouth but I would suggest that you and your boss brake the chain that you have on the police force because you are destroying the main jobs of the men we ask that you set them free to do the real work that is expected of them and stop your nonsense .
These Haters in America spewing out these verbal diarrhea on our people must bear in mind when they are advocating breaking the law these young men will have a criminal record. That in itself will hinder them from travelling to any country and guess what not even on vacation they will be able to go.
If these guys are so concerned about Dominica why wont they come down here to show their solidarity? of course some of them has too much to lose so they are doing their damage by remote control. So one has to ask are these blokes have our best interest at heart? I trust not
I will support the police force with all my strength even though those in.the force do not know who I am but the last commissioner Lestard and those before him know who I am Chrissie Toussaint I live now in.the United States and my children one was just waiting to be.a copso I stand firm with. You in putting strong laws to keep Dominica safe pus andcop.at the
When the police in Roseau will give the public the details about the missing guns in the high court then; the population will help the police to get rid of guns in the public.We the people of Dominica have lost trust in the police…your guns run off to where? Isn’t this a shame?Set the example…Blackmoore if you are so responsible why is it you have no control over the Roseau police force?They are all corrupted police officers.
“I have requested and received a plan from the police to rid our streets from illegal firearms” Well, that’s gonna be a first in the history of civilization! No country in world has ever done that, Mr. Carbon. Allu can’t even solve mediocre crimes let alone getting rid of firearms that your administration allowed into the nation, in the first place…Keeping a watchful eye on events.
The most interesting thing about this article is Blackmoore’s Barber though..
, Like wth dude..lmao!!
Just legalize Marijuana and you have at least a third of the guns used to protect fields off the streets. Go ahead, give it a try and win. From past experience Amnesty does not work as well as expected, what else is there to really reduce guns besides promise of harsh treatment? Take marijuana off the list of need for protection and you’ll see positive reduction in number of street guns. Try it!
I agree with you wholeheartedly. A win win for all.
People who sell marijuana often sell cocaine and it is not unusual for them to sell illegal guns.
Drug dealers sometimes carry a gun for their protection.
Some dealers also carry a gun to deal with competitors who horn in on their territory.
We know of police who have been shot dead during a bust or while trying to arrest a pusher.
Marijuana is very much linked to criminal activities. People high on marijuana (sometimes mixed with alcohol or another drug) have committed acts of violence, sometimes serial crimes. Whether the marijuana is legal or not makes no difference in these cases.
The easier marijuana is to get the more people will be using and the more of it they will likely use.
In Canada and the USA drugs including marijuana are at the core of the growing gang problem.
It is difficult to see how legalizing marijuana will get illegal guns off the street.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
You think so? Think again!
We have a serious problem in Toronto. The PM promised to legalize marijuana. Then there is medicinal marijuana. Since last year some marijuana stores have sprouted up. Most are illegal with illegal marijuana and not located in a suitable area, as far away from schools. The City has closed down some of them.
Criminals have raided some of them, stealing these drugs and funds. Some of the owners hesitate to call the Police because their place is illegal. Too ashamed I supposed. Nevertheless, the news get out and is broadcasted.
You who think that decriminalizing and/or legalizing marijuana will help solve a problem, you are so wrong. It will also not decrease guns for the guns are there in the hands of criminals. Some will not turn their guns in. Those guns are their god which they cannot do without.
the gun violence is a culture which has been created under this DLP lead government moreover the police are responsible for a lot of the guns on the street. why not outline your so called plan to the public! the only thing you have done is compound the issues and having this hard line approach has not worked anywhere in the world so what makes you think it will work here? employ a few of the psychologist and sociologist to help deal with this cause you sir are not trained in resolving social issues.
You have told a downright lie about the PM. Have you ever asked yourself how these illegal guns got into D/ca and how they got into those irresponsible hands?
You should think that some came through the Airport and through Customs. They may have come by sea/boat. Some people were not doing their jobs appropriately. They were lax in not conducting a proper search of those who fly into D/ca or by sea or send items in boxes/barrels Then there are those who will illegally enter D/ca by boat. These were not caught.
Therefore, you anonymous which is what you are, an anonymous person, do you really exist and/or utilize your common sense? Too many of you comment without first thinking and because you do not support DLP. It is time to stop this nonsense. You may be too idle which is why you make such asinine comments. It has nothing to do with the PM. Employees could also cause this gun dilemma which D/ca is in. They need to be investigated and fired.
this generation of Dominicans are the ones screwing up their future! they have no self control and somehow think TV is real and life is party. When reality hit them and they can’t get what they want they react like children and blame and attack others.
What? You should examine WHO created the atmosphere for what is taking place right now. Research “Cause and effect”
When the UWP (which I am not a supporter) in office called on Dominicans with illegal guns to bring them in and they will not be punished.The DLP in opposition Laughed at the very idea of turning in their guns and told the citizens ignore this call.Now the same DLP is talking tough on gun violence.The question now is, will the UWP ask those with illegal guns to turn them in.?
This is an interesting bit of information.
The fact is (as I am sure you know) this action has worked in other places. It gives people the chance to do what they know is right without losing face or being being penalized.
It is better to try and fail than not try because what you have now (a gun problem and shootings) is not what anybody wants.
It should not be a matter of who wins the debate or who has the last say. It is a matter doing what is right for the nation, and in the best interest of the people. In some cases I think some politicians will oppose something if it is not their idea. It came from the other side so they think it is their duty to shoot it down.
There are politicians and there are statesmen. History honors statesmen.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Please get those illegal guns out of the homes, hands and streets of these people. These guns are not for useful purposes. The guns must be plucked out of their hands. Guns are a quick manner of injuries and murder.
Hon. Blackmore, ignore those UWP supporters and critics who want nothing good for D/ca. Their comments depict that they want nothing better but to see it fall and fail and their evil laughter will ensue. These are not patriotic D/cans. In a non-democratic country, they would be tried for treason. They are a hindrance to peace and security.
DLP supporters in Dominica and overseas are with you. They want a better, safe and peaceful Dominica without which it will not be able progress as it should.
Therefore, do not hesitate to commence eradicating all illegal guns in Dominica which pose a hazard to the life and safety of residents.
Our God of Peace is on your side and all D/cans who are on the side of peace and safety.
God bless you!
Pure garbage,as usual!!!
Fool! You UWP supporters are always at war with DLP supporters. You are the one who is full of garbage. One day you will have much to regret.
This illegal gun thing is like a bad cancer. If it is not dealt with in the early stages (Nip it in the bud) it will take over the State and destroy the country. Take a look at what is happening in some of the larger Caribbean countries and learn from their experiences.
Absolutely right
Thank you for your strong comment 
We have this cancer in Canada (maybe worse). I am addressing the problem where ever it exists. DNO is read in Canada and not only by those of the diaspora. So please do not say I am sticking my nose into Dominican affairs.
This is a problem that does not go away or get better by people neglecting it. Without radical intervention
Action must be taken. It can be beat.
it gets worse. Thank God for those who stand up and speak out. But talk is not enough
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Crap!
“please desist from attacking the police”?? Are you for real? Looking at the police the wrong way supposed to give you a night in the cell. This island absolutely cannot afford the luxury of playing fast and loose with the law or its enforcers. Policing is a SERVICE and the cops need to approach the job that way.. and by the same token those providing that service must be given FULL protection by our system.
On guns we should take the lead and phase out non fingerprint recognition fire arms in Waitikubuli. It is a small country so we could do his quickly and even offer a tax incentive to exchange an old gun for newer upgraded ones. This would immediately clamp down on illegal firearms sales and achieve your target. Unless Blackmoore and the Government start talking in these results based terms.. I know they are not serious.
Blackmore the good advice that I will give to you is, this is a matter to deal with in an intelligent manner and wisdom . Do not fight this kind of fire with fire.
How can the government and the law deal with these problems
These hurtful disruptions to normal peaceful living are instigated by Satan and demonically driven.
Proper laws rightly enforced are a must. Sentences that send a message instead of a slap on the wrist would help. But Christians understand what is really needed is spiritual warfare. It is intercessory prayer,
clear gospel preaching, Bible teaching, and a deliverance ministry.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Lets build proper facilities to house those who needs rehabilitation, proper counseling, Drug treatment, ect, and also build for those who must be punished for committing atrocious and serious Crimes, deserving of the full force of the law, once found Guilty. We can have one without the other. CBI, CBI, and spoils from war on Drugs and others should be put towards the above mentioned. Alas! Help! help! we love Dominica.
You are so correct.
We need this kind of practical response to the drug problem.
I am convinced a faith based rehab treatment is what works best. In the 1950s a Pentecostal pastor by the name of David Wilkerson started TEEN CHALLENGE in Brooklyn, N.Y. It is a residential program. President Ronald Regan said it was the best in the world with an 80% success rate. T.C. quickly spread into many nations with centres in the largest and most needy cities.
Teen Challenge uses nothing but the pure gospel of Jesus Christ with prayer and Bible teaching in a loving and accepting atmosphere to deliver young people from drugs and turn their lives around. Pastor Dave is with Jesus now. But he taught as I do that Christ by His sacrificial death on the cross bore our sins
and paid the price in full for our salvation. When we believe this and receive Christ as our Savior He not only forgives us. He sets us free from the bondage of the devil.
Continuation:
I encourage you to read the following scriptures:
Isaiah 53:5,6
Romans 5:6-8
John 3:16
Ephesians 2:8,9
If the gospel did not work Teen Challenge would not have LASTED
If the gospel did not work Teen Challenge would not have GROWN
It will work for any sinner who believes the good news (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) (Romans 1:16) because Jesus is still changing lives today
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
You so rite a life in jail plz pple u a too one side let’s put party a side an come together its not about red nor blue its bout we stopping this things most of us got kids
Blackmore you wasting time talking about guns at this time. As National Security Minister never has the security of our beloved country been so threatened that now thanks to pm Skerrit and the DLP, of which you are part of and somehow you dance around it but you say nothing. I mean how on God’s name could you, Skerrit, Carbon and the DLP had a wanted criminal hiding in Dominica for 6 months? How could you allow allow this man to use the name of DOMINICA to sell his passport? Do you really care man? Only in Dominica would this happen and for you all to be still in office. My God the actions of this government is just like the actions of drug dealers man, and that hurts!
glace eyes
When are we as a people gonna wake from this mess, Government paying for people electric bills, groceries, buying building materials, and the people are turning around and selling that stuff to other people at a profit , all for political votes when is this gonna stop? teach a man how to fish and he will feed him self , but don’t just give him a fish[ a hand out] create Jobs for the young people technical college incentives, learning institutions excreta ] we have a Nation to build no matter what color you are we are all Dominican , and if the Boat sink we as a nation are all going down.
I have been asking the question over , and over again about the young man in pte Michel who got shot with three bullets at bolo’s bar, the police know who did I know that for a fact and no arrest has been made as of now so what the hell is Mr. talking about ask him to talk to the police corporal in pte Michel and go make an arrest then he can come on D.N.O. and talk, as of now he is just blowing smoke . we the people of Dominica already had enough, stop the bleeding.
Chuuuuupppssssss
! Garson go hide yourself and the cabal with you. You are almost out anyway.
Having said that I wish the injured officers a speedy and full recovery.
Assertive and aggressive!
stupes….
BlackMore has No Moral authority to be blah, blahing about guns/ violence/ gun control.
Remember Dominicans what happen recently at the Port? 2 barrels of GUNS and AMMUNITION were sent to Dominica from (overseas). Those barrels of GUNS were placed at the Port at Woodridge Bay,Fond Cole.
Before Customs or Port Authority could begin to investigate, and act according to their JOB portfolio’t the Police busted into the area, overriding Customs and Port authorities, took the barrels away with the GUNS and AMMUNITION. Why wasn’t Customs and Port allowed to do their work, since the area is under their jurisdiction?
Who is the owner of those 2 barrels of GUNS? Why didn’t police sit in waiting for the owner to come for his/her or their barrels? wouldn’t the owner come and clear the Barrels of GUNS? Investigation stall? No arrests up to now,
Harboring international criminals, who were given our DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS? Abetting Fraud, Money-laundering, criminal acts.
You are always talking some nonsense. How are you going to rid the streets of illegal guns, when you do not know who have them?
Someone with an illegal fire arm is not going to walk the streets with it exposed, you will only know they have a black market firearm if they commit a crime with it! On the other hand it is ignorant of you to talk in peasants terms about long time in jail.
If you were qualified, and familiar with the laws of the land you would be educated to the penalty for a particular crime, there is a limited and maximum penalty for every crime. The penalty for having an unregistered gun, is different if the owner uses it in the commission of a crime.
You are simply looking for that little fifteen minuets of fame on DNO today talking crap which makes no sense. By the way it seems to me you are bleaching your face, if that’s not the case maybe you are anaemic. I doubt you want me to detail anemia to you it might be frightening! What about long jail time for…
Action speaks louder than words.
PS. Why was Bubbles handed back his gun for which he had no valid, licence at the time?
Blackmore cut off all the talk and fire police chief Carbon whose incompetence is the main reason for high crime rate.Enough of the talk Blackmore.
Mr. Blackmoore you are a law Maker. Less talk more action. Was the carnival peaceful because Dominicans were having a good time and generally peaceful or huge military presence reaped fear in the hearts of men?. Hope we have not reached the latter.
That’s right! Jail them!!!!
If Blackmore is allowed to bring one of his plans to curb violence with the blessings of Mr. Skeritt, maybe we might see a dent in the crime wave in DA .
If Blackmore is allowed to bring one of his plans to curb violence with the blessings of Mr. Skeritt, maybe we might see a dent in the crime wave.
Soon only the Police and DLP supporters will have licensed (and unlicensed) firearms. Then, anyone who says a word against the DLP Administration will be immediately arrested for treason. Q95 and DNO will be sued into bankruptcy and shut down! There will be no voices of dissent against Government. We will reside in a police state. Only DLP supporters will have well paying jobs, get duty free concessions, drive nice cars and build nice houses. The constituencies that voted UWP in majority will be reduced to ghettos of abject poverty and Labourites will celebrate! Did you say that will never happen???? LOL…look around!
Blackmore both you government are failures..Its not the first time you have come up with these plans,plans,plans…NOTHING ELSE!
seems you’re projecting your accusations in the wrong direction. if the government have t stop crime it will be using police, jail, capital punishment and military. its best people take responsibility for their actions and stop crime themselves. A country with less than 80,000 people has no reason to have violent crime. We didn’t have it in the past, its the mentality of this generation and bad parenting thats the cause but they are the one loosing and spoiling themselves and their future.
Exceptional display of service my foot! 99.9% of us were too busy enjoying ourselves to give the police work to do.
And why was there a need to have police in military uniform in AmnesiA?
foolish cuz the PM and his lovely family was shaking their leg. You know well why they had it.
but lemme guess wat you going to say foolish Worker” becuz the country is communist”..
lmaooooo..i comeon here just to read stupidity. why their was army dere…smh
It didn’t have enough cuz history shows you Workers cannot conduct all u self like Civilize Dominicans.
goFloatUrHope
The only reason you were able to enjoy yourself is because police was watching your back sot!
when somebody put blows on your who you calling?
That should be sending you a message if you are paying attention.
Because our Prime Minister needs his security always.
Why? whom is he afraid off? his fellow Dominicans that love him so much? Nah!
Chupes
I’ve never met a young Dominican who actually had plans for the future in Dominica, it’s either they going France, Guadlupe (Where skerrit from) U.S.A (Where his Children from and Tony Astaphans frequently vacate) England, Antingua, Ect Ect. We even have Dominicans who migrated to Antartica, to escape the bs.
Lol. This one took the cake.
This is a very interesting topic. Census data show a population of 73,795 in 1981and the latest available census of 2014 (33 years later) a population that is 2,502 less at 71, 293. The latter is a preliminary govt. figure with the actual never published as far as I know. I wonder why? We therefore can conclude that Dominica saw a decline since 1981 and is only slowly recovering now.
That’s what needs to change, people need to think first of improving Dominica! The country is rich in natural resources and could be the wealthiest and most prosperous nation in the Caribbean if its citizens would only make progress their goal. What everyone needs to do is spelled out in the anthem and the pledge “work diligently to build a prosperous and peaceful nation”. “Strive for honour, sons and daughters, Do the right, be firm, be fair. Toil with hearts and hands and voices. We must prosper! Sound the call, In which ev’ryone rejoices, “All for Each and Each for All.” That doesn’t mean fighting amongst ourselves meaninglessly, or leaving the island for short term gain. It means coming together as one people with the common goal of bringing Dominica into the future and raising the living standards of all its citizens.
Hopefully this won’t be deleted like my last post
Ryan you make a great point, however some of the things that you mentioned will and I repeat, never come to pass in Dominica. Like her neighbors, development means infrastructural development. And while that’s needed, it’s only a small part of the equation. Dominica lacks commercial building space. As a result, it is cost prohibitive to start anything, unless you have a millions stashed away somewhere. Most businesses are sole proprietors who are only able to employ themselves and are unable to provide services or products to a large group of people simultaneously.
There is no uniformity of services across the island. For example, if you live in Grandbay or Marigot, you must travel to Roseau to license your vehicle, renew insurance or apply for a passport. That development that you speak of, will not happen unless there is a strategic long term plan to identify and solve long standing issues on the island.
Your comment is rubbish . Make a meanful omment . Your sound illiterate. Dominice n has been mIgrated long time ago since in colonial times.. my great gran uncle left Dominica 1899 for the United States and one came To the Uk in 1910
@ above comment, Don’t forget Linton children were born in the USA or overseas you like most of Workers supporters know your history or keep your stupid mouths shut.
@Man bites Dog
1. Linton isn’t the PM
2. Linton has subliminally insinuated that the country has been going down the toilet for awhile now
3. DLP make it seem like Dominica is a very nice stable country while infact, both his children were RECENTLY born and both were anchor babies of the U.S
How are you in charge for more than a decade but still make your children elsewhere? Lmao
Both you and Linton want to be PM of a failed economy, you are both broke and poor what’s in it for all-u. Just want to be in with your friends to administer to Poverty of a donor dependent economy? Just win them at the polls and let’s see what u have to do it. Wait your turn!