Police Commissioner Cyril Carrette has voiced support for the 2011 Firearms Act which was passed in parliament recently.
The Act seeks to regulate the use and distribution of firearms and ammunition in Dominica and to address related matters. It also paves the way for the imposition of significantly increased penalties.
Carrette says this will strengthen the hands of the police in dealing with firearm related offenses.
“There have been a lot of firearm related offenses and persons believe that they can just wantonly use firearms and they will escape. With the passage of this Act I think the hands of the police, law enforcement and the judiciary have been strengthened. Persons before engaging in illegal acts requiring the use of firearms will have to think twice. We will spare no effort at enforcing the law with regard to the Firearms Act. I saw where they are increasing the penalties and I am happy about it,” he said.
The Commissioner is especially pleased with part six of the Act which specifically addresses the issue of imitation firearms. It seeks to regulate the use of realistic imitation firearms in Dominica.
“Around the Christmas time, you see a lot of children with firearms that look real and they are becoming more real these days. I days gone by, a guy would have a little capsule gun. Right now, they have taken it to another level beyond the capsule gun stage and these firearms look real. Anyone wanting to commit robberies and other crimes with the use of firearms, when they come to you, you have no way to discern whether it is a real firearm or an imitation. Therefore, we are very happy that the Government has seen it fit to strengthen the law enforcement in our efforts at fighting crimes with the use of firearms,” Carrette said.
its so strange the leaders of the caribbean make these small islands living conditions so hard they then empower themselves and their friends with firearms then they make sure they implements all sort of laws to pressure the less fortunate. They have to realize a firearm is a protection to a property but these days only persons close to ministers and favored by the law will be issued a firearm licences.What about the person who had breakings for years and the law refuse giving him a firearm licence ? Way that law pass in parliment to protect the poor or the rich? then after passing this law there will be the speedy issuing of a few licences who are you protecting ?
I visite dca in 07 and to my amazement big men were running through the streets of Roseau brandishing guns that looked real and I could not understand why it took so long for someone to pass a law about this.
In other caribbean countries, these toy guns are banned for some years now
Hi Miss BEFFY M,
Just to add his firearm is “Licensed” and he has been a holder for many years with NO reports against him. Neither for firearms use or otherwise.
Guess you have been OUT OF TOUCH
Mr Commissioner, too bad your humble officers do not hold your view. Just last Sunday they were summoned to a certain house in Elmshall house because the owner (who on more than one occasion has had his firearm taken from him) discharged about 10 rounds – just because he felt like it. At the time, he was having a barbecue, drinks and playing dominoes with friends. There were at least 10 children under the age of 10 present in the yard at the time.
PS. This is not the first time he has done it or it has been reported either.
Four officers of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force Drug Squad came to the home. They ‘discussed” with him – and I would really like to know what his excuse was for discharging about 10 rounds of armunition just so.
About five minutes after they were seen walking out the yard, TWO of them with their GLASSES (drinks glasses) in their hands (including a famous one from Newtown).
I am willing to bet my entire salary it was not tea in them.
Hence you understand why so many criminals go unpunished – the ones who are supposed to uphold the law cannot be bothered.
Shameful
Hi C’est La Vie,
You ought not to say or far less publish comments that you are NOT absolutly SURE about. There are always consequences for both sides.
u are on the police
You want the proof, you can get it.
hush ur a&%% and take some of your own good advice, the internet have no POLICE TO INTIMIDATE.,…………………………….sorrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
he doe must agree gorvment pass law u can saw no… hmm lol
Time to round up all Duppy Gunmen and throw them in jail for a long, long time.
I hope you will get this message because I guess you haven see your jails in DA and dont you believe that some of the $27k would be better spent on a proper build so why dont to discuss the matter with Raymond Blackmore
BTW being licensed to hold a firearm does not make you responsible. For that matter many of these irresponsible licence holders frequently brandish their firearms to intimidated people and to boast. Some even draw it on thier spouses and children. So even there one have to be careful. By the way increased fines will not deter the real criminal who feel they need it as part of their business. What is needed is expert criminal detection and non-bias judicial discharge.
Sadly whilst condemning local dealings of firearms at the UN level Dominica was conveniently absent form voting against the international trafficking of small arms resolution.
SOT! this article says nothing about the contents of the act (which should be public knowledge). The value of this info is as good as heresay. SOT! If this Act is to legalize firearms then all u in for deefay!
I most Certainly agree with Mr. Carrette; Guns and ammunition should strictly be in the hands of the law enforcers and person licensed to carry a firearm. Make some example of the bear face racketeering law breakers so that we can collectively reduce crime in our beautiful land of pristine rivers, valleys, mountain and a Loving people
what really do u agree WITH,he spoke of parts of the act that will deter WHAT CRIME,what is the new act do u know
u like to use that one eh “a loving people” is love we too loving…… and letting allu petty bourgouis do what allu want in our loving country….
MY CORRECTION–I MEAN ON THAT ONE.
Wait. Guns are legal here? Sweet.
please read dey didnt say dat
Then Carette should watch how he phrases his words