Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced the establishment of a dedicated firearms task force within the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals involved in the possession, trafficking, and use of illegal firearms.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Monday, following a series of troubling gun-related incidents across the country. Skerrit described the recent acts of violence as “brazen and reckless,” noting that they have disrupted public peace and shaken the sense of safety “we hold dear as a people.”
“Upon my return to the country on Sunday, I convened an emergency meeting with law enforcement and security officials to thoroughly assess the situation and review the response to these incidents,” Skerrit stated. “Today, I am announcing a series of decisive and immediate measures to address the situation head on.”
Chief among these measures is the creation of the Firearms Task Force, which will operate as a multi-agency unit. It will draw personnel and resources from the CDPF’s Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch, K9 Unit, Customs and Excise Division, Dominica Coast Guard, and the National Joint Intelligence Center (NJIC).
“The task force will adopt an aggressive and coordinated approach to stamp out illegal weapons from our streets,” Skerrit said. “And obviously, we will also coordinate and collaborate with regional agencies.”
Effective immediately, the government has launched a confidential hotline—1-800-8477—for citizens to report illegal firearms or suspicious activity. Skerrit announced that individuals who provide information leading to the retrieval of illegal firearms or ammunition will receive a reward of $1,000 per firearm.
“Your identity will be protected, your civic duty will be rewarded,” he assured.
Additionally, a limited amnesty period has been declared for those in possession of illegal firearms or ammunition to surrender them to law enforcement without fear of prosecution.
“This is a chance for citizens to do the right thing and avoid the full force of the law,” Skerrit said.
The government will begin installing surveillance camera systems across Dominica, starting with the capital city of Roseau. Skerrit described this as a long-term investment in national security infrastructure and a deterrent to criminal activity.
In the interim, police have been directed to increase foot and mobile patrols throughout Roseau and other areas. “We must restore confidence and ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their lives without fear,” Skerrit emphasized.
He also announced the engagement of a special prosecutor to handle major gun-related offenses and declared a ban on the use of tinted windows on all rented vehicles. “The police have advised that the majority of these crimes are carried out utilizing rented vehicles that are highly and heavily tinted,” he explained.
Addressing those who may be involved in illegal firearm activity, Skerrit issued a stern warning: “We will find you, we will disarm you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. Dominica is a peaceful nation and will not permit our streets to become battlegrounds.”
He urged all citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement, and report wrongdoing. “This is our country and we all have a role to play in keeping it safe. Fighting crime must be seen as a societal responsibility.”
Skerrit expressed gratitude to the men and women of the CDPF for their continued dedication to public safety.
“You have the full support of this government once you carry out your duties within the confines of the constitution and laws of Dominica,” he said. “We will ensure that our country remains a safe place to live, work, and raise our families.”
The Prime Minister issued a call for national unity: “Let us pledge today to put aside all differences and unite in the defense of our country by rejecting the culture of violence. Let us show care and concern for our fellow citizens, ensuring that we can all continue to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our Nature Island, Dominica.”
He extended his condolences to the family of 26-year-old Jeanyves Bruno of Canefield, who died in a recent violent incident, and offered wishes for the full and swift recovery of those injured.
“We will not allow individuals with illegal firearms to destabilize our communities, endanger lives, and undermine our national security,” Skerrit declared.
After reading the scripture,One thing I know is Satan cannot cast out Satan and their kingdom is not divided neither can it be divided according to Matthew 22:26.
I guess everything Satan has is owned in part by the Devil and when one does a wok honor is shared behind the scenes despite what is seen or heard in public
The only time Dominicans will experience positive change is when the present administration is voted out of political power. There are too many square pegs in round holes.
Here are the objective facts:
1) Prime Minister: supremely unqualified for this most important position
2) Commissioner of Police: stuttering, dimwitted, shady character
3) President of the country: just a brown nose of the prime minister, no independence
4) Speaker: of Parl: uncouth, unethical, ungodly, immoral, depraved imposter
5) Electoral Commissioner: pliable, flawed, unprincipled, devious errand boy
6) Park Reps – all without exception are perfidious, mendacious, avaricious, malicious
This quote readily comes to mind about the present Roosevelt led administration – ” We jail the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”
You and Telemakak should join the Firearms Task Force, let me see what you both can do for your country. All you do is run your mouth everyday blasting people and not able to do anything to better your country. Stop belching bubbles and go out there and let me see what you can do. Just a bunch of noise everyday and cannot do anything to better your country.
@Ibo Feance
In other words, this country is a fetid mess.
how about as ban on tint on government vehicles that people using all over the place to go an pick up woman on government gas and time or go bush and make bom
Blaaaa blaaaa blaaaa, this reactive small minded boy likes to create a show to make himself feel important.
Empty barrel makes the most noise.
This man is so empty, what’s the need for press conference when he and Rayburn steels the show with babbling nonsense.
They can’t even stick to the point and furthermore answer questions in a timely manner.
Wot a waste of space.
What is needed most is a well thought out comprehensive plan diverting the $ 13 400 000 from the upcoming sewo to purchase the requisite resources to fight crime.
This is illogical to.prioritise a fun festival over the reduction of criminal activity. Where else does this happen? Dominica is unique for all the wrong reasons.
at least u are now waking up to smell the roasting coffee.. i hope u can see Dominica is heading down a precipice with guns and corrupt politicians.. it it so clear…even the blind with wooden speakacles can see that…under this carbal guns has escalated…you have your own carbal buying guns parts without a permit….then call the case in chambers….Dominica for u….
Evaluate a man by his actions NEVER by his words. Many people have sugar on their lips but poison and hatred I their hearts. Well done is always better than well said.
“This is our country and we all have a role to play in keeping it safe. Fighting crime must be seen as a societal responsibility.”
I so glad for de PM. It’s only a crime once DLP supporters are not involved.
Wicked souls!!!!
Placing a wholistic ban of Tint on rented vehicles because or a couple incidents in which it is alleged that rented vehicles were used is such a low minded and counter intuitive approach to combatting crimes in the country. The burn a house to kill a rat continues to be the sole approach taken by these people who clearly lack foresight and forward thinking skills.
Who would use a rental with the company’s name and number clearly printed on the front and rear of the vehicle to go an commit a crime? If that were to be the case then the police should be happy because it just a matter going to the owner who would be clearly know to answer to the crime. People are also be entitled to some level of privacy and comfort.
What then when their is an increase in breaking of people’s vehicles because the criminals can see everything that is in the vehicle with no effort?
Propose a specified tint grade but it is utter rubbish to place a complete ban of tint for rented vehicles.
Such a cosmetic change does nothing to.cause a dent in crime. That’s just a reactive plot to lull people into thinking that the regime is being responsive to the outcry of the residents.
This administration is in power for far too long. They have run out of ideas. The country needs new blood with fresh thinking.
The longer a political party remains in power the more corrupt it becomes. It also becomes depleted of new ideas to fix the country’s growing problems. Time for Roosevelt and his cohorts to exit office.