Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sherma Dalrymple has issued a strong warning regarding the use and proliferation of realistic imitation firearms in Dominica, citing legal consequences and societal risks associated with their presence.
Speaking on the Ministry of National Security’s programme aired on DBS Radio, Dalrymple pointed out that Section 39 of Dominica’s Firearms Act prohibits the manufacture, modification, sale, and importation of realistic imitation firearms. These are objects that resemble actual firearms so closely that only an expert could distinguish them from real weapons.
“There is a prohibition under Section 39 of the Firearms Act in respect of realistic imitation firearms,” Dalrymple stated. “Anyone who contravenes this provision is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $3,000 or to imprisonment for one year, or to both.”
She further explained that the court has discretion to impose both a fine and a custodial sentence, depending on the circumstances of the offence.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Alleyne Maximae echoed the DPP’s concerns, citing several incidents in which imitation firearms were used to commit serious crimes. Among them was an attempted robbery at MAM’s Supermarket in Massacre on September 20, 2023, and robberies at the Lindo Park and NP gas stations in the same year. He also referenced a 2013 robbery in Newtown involving an imitation firearm.
“These were not real firearms,” Maximae said. “Persons out there may think that it’s just a toy, but they can be used in the commission of offences. They’re not just toys.”
In light of these incidents, Dalrymple suggested that the importation of toy guns may need to be reconsidered. She noted that some local stores may be importing such items, which could contribute to a culture that normalizes firearms among youth.
“Left to me, I would just ban the importation of toy guns,” Dalrymple said. “It is based on what I see every day in court. Are we going to nurture our young minds to accept that a gun is just a toy?”
She indicated that a formal submission on the matter may be made to the Attorney General, highlighting the broader implications for public safety and youth development.
What the DPP really saying?
Based on the section 39 that she herself referenced, importation of imitation guns is already banned/prohibited. Yet she comes out saying “Left to me, I would just ban the importation of toy guns”. Make it makes sense.
We need to completely get rid of guns. Then when there are no guns we need to get rid of all knives. Then when their are no knives we need to get rid of all stones and glass bottles. At some point we get rid of all projectiles and weapons so we can get to the root of the problem and start cutting off the arms of the violent among us that cause these problems in the first place
The term “imitation firearm” makes no sense in the regulations unless the importation of ALL toy guns (water, cork, pellets, paint etc.) are banned. Manufacturers does not label guns as “REAL IMITATION” so we need to do better.
While I applaud the formation of the firearm fighting unit within the CDPF, this will definitely be used by the police to go after those they don’t like and the ones they deem political enemies. However, unless an toy gun or imitation firearm is used in the commission of a crime, simple possession cannot be criminalized unless there is clear legislation on the importation side.