Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has said that the issue of gun violence in Dominica must be confronted as a community and “as a country”.
He made the statement during the official launch of police week 2025, held on Monday.
“We acknowledge the fact that gun crimes are the single most dangerous threat to our civility and our national security. Your government has again ensured that we are providing the resources for the police…” he said. “A specialized unit was established for the purpose of investigating and apprehending suspects with the view of getting them where they belong at Stockfarm.”
He continued, “It is important that we confront this gun violence as a community and as a country. The government cannot do it alone and therefore it requires an all-encompassing effort from the various organs and agencies of socialization.”
Blackmoore stressed that mitigating gun violence requires a collective approach.
“We have to go back to the homes and to ensure that the homes provide primary socialization to our children,” he stated. “You have to go back to the schools for the reinforcement of core values, the churches, the peer groups, and agencies are critical in molding and building character and useful and wholesome individuals.”
In the meantime, Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntrye said the government recognizes the challenges faced by the police, “and despite these [challenges] you continue to show up, respond to calls, investigate incidents, protect our children, our women, our seniors and our communities.
He added, “For that, you have my personal respect and appreciation.”
He told the police officers that the Government of Dominica trusts them with the responsibility of upholding law and order.
“We expect you to act with integrity, respect for human rights, fairness, and professionalism, and in turn we pledge to assist you to do that,” Dr. McIntyre urged.
He further urges police officers to continue enhancing community police partnerships, recognizing that effective policing must be supported by community trust and cooperation.
Another UWP Jack,boy having an unlicensed firearm in your possession is a crime,using that unlicense firearm to murder somebody is double jeopardy.A license firearm user cannot be charged for having a firearm in his possession.Where a license firearm user can claim self defense it is hard for an unlicensed firearm user to do so.The unlicensed firearm user is carrying the firearm with an intent commit a crime PREMEDITATED.The license firearm user is given permission by law enforcement to carry.There is nothing in law called a license murderer and an unlicense murderer.
Mr Blackmore, although I want to support what you said but my question to you sir is, what’s the difference between an unlicensed murderer and a licensed murderer? Or, does a licensed gun makes a person innocent while an unlicensed gun makes them a criminal even if the actions of both are the same? Boy our problem in Dominica is we have too many criminals lose , free and even holding top positions as if they are saints while they are even more dangerous than the Devil
Murder is murder; whether it is committed by a licensed or unlicensed firearm. One big difference is, whenever a bullet is fired from a licensed firearm, the bullet can usually be traced back to the owner of the firearm, making it possible for her/him to be held accountable. This is accountability is less likely for the unlicensed firearm. Dominica needs to do everything in its powers to keep out the guns, especially from the hands of the criminals.