Dominica is not Syria or Iraq – Blackmoore on Silver Lake gun find

The illegal guns and drugs were seized in Silver Lake on Saturday
The illegal guns and drugs were seized in Silver Lake on Saturday

Minister of National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, has reacted to the seizure of high powered guns and ammunition in the community of Silver Lake on the weekend saying Dominica is not Syria or Iraq.

He described the seizure as ‘a very serious matter’ noting that no one should have such weapons in their possession.

“Dominica is not Iraq, certainly Dominica is not Syria,” he said referring to the Middle Eastern nations which have been torn by years of war. “No one, therefore, should have in their possession such high calibre weapons.”

He added, “Let me say further the recovery by the police must be viewed as a very serious matter by all of us. Persons who possess illegal firearms have every intention of using them especially those involved in the illegal drug trade.”

On Saturday, the police seized one high-powered AK-47, an Uzi Submachine Gun, two 9-mm pistols, a number of assorted ammunition, cocaine and marijuana in a locked public convenience in Silver Lake.

Blackmoore praised law officials for “an exceptional piece of police work,” pointing out that the seizure is a reflection of “a cross-fertilization of crime.”

“Criminal who trade in illegal drugs also trade in illegal firearms,” he stated. “This is the greatest threat to our civilization and has to be confronted head on.”

He remarked that the police should not relent and should take all necessary action to rid the streets of Dominica of illegal drugs such as cocaine.

He noted that the majority of illegal firearms and drugs come into the island by sea and the government is currently considering the purchase of a vessel to intercept them.

“The government is seriously looking at procuring a modern high-tech patrol vessel to incept those thugs at sea,” he said.

Blackmoore wished the police success in investigating, finding and prosecuting those responsible for the seizure.

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48 Comments

  1. Cre8tive29
    September 2, 2018

    These senseless violence need to stop. This is hurting the country all over the world. Tourism will come to a halt. Dominicans and other nationals are afraid to visit the Island. These politicians need to stop their political nonsense and start protecting the people.
    1. Have zero tolerance gun laws with a mandatory 20 years sentence for anyone caught with an illegal fire arm.
    2. Murder conviction equal the death penalty. ( Bring back the death penalty. )
    3. Shoot to kill criminals caught in the act of commiting senseless violent crimes.
    4. Custom enforcement, search and seizure, x ray equipments.
    5. Get these criminals off the streets.
    6. Build more prisons.
    7. Have convicted criminals serve their full sentences.
    8. Elect politicians who will protect and serve your interest.

    Dominicans will continue to suffer from senseless violent crimes if there are no serious criminal laws and enforcements to protect them.

  2. May 25, 2016

    dominica is mot syria or iraq but it sure looked like it wen the police force was in salisbury the day were having a peaceful protest tho…….when other villages see that they going to want weapon to protect themselves………but anyways let`s from our mistakes just saying 8)

  3. Satan is Not a Good Option, Trust Me
    February 24, 2016

    I smell a rat here.

    People clever enough to buy such ‘sophisticated’ weaponry, don’t normally get caught and certainly don’t have the weapons confiscated by cops in Dominica who are only skilled at covering the tracks of their masters (in particular, I refer to the unsolved GON Emanuel firebombing matter, who the police are happy leave unsolved until the principal witness, the said GON (in his late eighties) dies.

    It is possible that this false flag is a product of our government who are now in possession of the weaponry for use for its own evil ends (which may involve us?).

    If that is not the case, then can the government prove to us that the weapons have been destroyed?

  4. the processor
    February 24, 2016

    Dont worry the time will come!!! be prepared my good citizens :twisted:

  5. Face the Facts
    February 23, 2016

    They want to take down Dominica and everyone in it.
    Some say Dominica finis bat. If all these guns are in circulation, this is when Dominica will be finis bat, sooner or later.
    Good job officers. I pray you get some more. God is helping you. He is on your side. He wants his children to live in dignity, happily, in harmony, peace and unity.
    May every practicing Christian in Dominica pray for Dominica and each other.
    May God protect you. God bless you.

  6. Concerned citizen
    February 23, 2016

    Tell me, did the police not receive two or more boats from the Americans a few years ago? Did the government not receive some money to build a Coast Guard Building in the north of the island, on a day when the PM offered the Ambassador two bottles of bwabande? From what I have heard, the boats have never been utilised and the building has never been built! Am I correct in saying this?

  7. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 23, 2016

    Rayburn, here you are again running off your mouth talking crap. You should engage the FBI, or Scotland Yard to investigate to find out how are these very dangerous weapons are finding their way into the country, and arrest and imprison those responsible for bringing them into the country.

    How do you know that there are not some terrorist group in the country getting ready to use them on the innocent? If you can see only the smoke, if you blow the smoke or brush it away you will see the fire! The United States gave freely a few vessels to be used to patrol, and guard the coast of the country. What did you people do, Skerrit reward the official donor by insulting him with two bottles of cheap white rum.

    Ultimately, you and Skerrit and the rest decided to leave the vessels idle on land. That is a indication you all are encouraging the smuggling of drugs and such weapons into the country!

  8. Rabbit
    February 23, 2016

    Exceptional piece of what police work? Don’t waste my time. This is all the work of some informant because you mister Blackmore know as well as I do D/a police are not capable of investigating a damn thing.

  9. Concern citizen
    February 23, 2016

    That is very good by the police I want to applaud them for that, but at the same time the police should carry out an investigation on they them selves to find out about them and to confiscate theirs as well because I am sure that these ministers and their attributes have their own too.
    what about the guy who came here some years ago with 59 rounds of ammunition saying that and one gun saying that he came to look for his son and up to a day like today northing has been said about that

  10. February 23, 2016

    Thats exactly what Dominica has become under, you, Skerrit and Daniel’s watch, Traitors

    • Face the Facts
      February 23, 2016

      Look at another side of it which some of you fail to as much as think of. That is exactly what happens to the godless who have no regard for God and His teachings of all, no respect for others and their life. This is what it leads to, lawless people, who think guns are toys and they can use them indiscriminately on people and injure and kill them. Think about that.
      Blame such people who do nothing good for D/ca except out to destroy it and everyone and everything that is good in Dominica. You are not exempt. Consider what they planned to do with those guns.
      One day they will pay for it, before God.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 25, 2016

        “Blame such people who do nothing good for D/ca except out to destroy it and everyone and everything that is good in Dominica.”(Facts).

        It is amazing to me how warped and twisted is your thinking! Have you ever stop to think if Dominica was a place where most people had the opportunity to engage into something constructive to earn an honest living by working; few might even consider becoming involved in the importation of marijuana, and cocaine into the country?

        Involvement in drug dealing is extremely dangerous, the life of anyone in that sort of lifestyle are usually short lived they are murdered usually! Most of the people who are involve in that sort of thing are young men and women who cannot find job opportunities on the island.

        Who is responsible for that if not the god Skerrit whom you worship? Have you counted the number of companies which went out of business since Skerrit and the Labor Party siege power in the country, blame it on Skerrit Facts, blame it on…

  11. UDOHREADYET
    February 23, 2016

    You will need 11 Vessels to stop them, 1 for every Parish and two for Portsmouth!

  12. El Chapo
    February 23, 2016

    On another Note shout out to the Drugsquad/Task force unit, You guys doing a great job for the limited resources you all possess :!: :!:

  13. February 23, 2016

    The high powered sniper riffle that was used to take oUT Mwanga did it come thru Melleville Hall? Did Mwanga know something that had to be the ultimate secret? Did the Venezuelan corrupt officials have anything to do with the assassination of Mwanga?
    Why was there a lackluster investigation. One would think that the government would be particularly uneasy with long range sniper assassinations right? If I was in government particularly one that is very dirty and corrupt I would be concerned.
    Lang Mama is no politician or political party puppet. I chant down corruption wherever I see it

    • Annonymous
      February 23, 2016

      Why are you defending a man who was convicted of murder. Not like he was a a saint.

      • February 23, 2016

        Really idiot? This is what I did, I defended somebody. Ignorance is really rampant among us.

  14. real deal
    February 23, 2016

    Purchasing high tech boats and people can’t get jobs to feed their families.

    • proud
      February 23, 2016

      or they don’t want to work

      • t.r. city
        February 23, 2016

        It Doe Ave Work….To Much Application People Send In And They Refuse It….Still when Young People Go And Sell Crops In Roseau. Only The Ones That Know The Story Buys….Oh When The People Stay On The Block…Tryna Huscle Oh Ask Government For Money To Support There Familly They Lieing for Them And Tell Them Another Day….

  15. Not a herd follower
    February 23, 2016

    Mr. Blackmoore, stop with the hyperboles.

  16. wappap
    February 23, 2016

    ….but not all you self that entice them known criminals with rentals and cash during campaign so they could push people around? when we encourage these people with nothing to lose for our own selfish angrandissement they feel untouchable and increase their activities because politicians are their “homies”.. now you talking about Syria.. if an election were to be called today you would retract your statement. How else can they feel important as bodyguards to politicians if not them knowing they are armed illegally.?Wicked set of hypochrites!!!

  17. smh
    February 23, 2016

    I wish some of you were in Syria or Iraq and you all will realize how sweet Dominica is. I don’t condone the violence and all these illegal firearms and drugs but I do know for sure apart from the struggles that Dominica face we are the luckiest set of people. We really don’t know how lucky we are and how blessed we are. is time we start looking at the positive. If you don’t like the prime minister then just vote him out. because some people never took their school seriously and chose to be on the streets selling drugs rather than sell grapefruit because of pride and they adopt the street life. is that the prime minister fault as well????

  18. smh
    February 23, 2016

    why does everything have to be so political. America changes presidents and yet the crime rates are still high. higher than Dominica. CORRECTION! DOMINICA IS NO WHERE IN COMPARASM WITH SYRIA AND IRAQ. I think you are exaggerating.

  19. February 23, 2016

    These arrogant liars can’t fi b d money to supply toilet paper to government offices but he talking about purchasing hi-tech vessel .
    People get your guns protect yourself from a government that will do anything to
    Stay in in power. Protect yourself from a regime that conviniently turn a blind eye to drug shipment via corrupt Venezuelan officials. Protect yourself from a regime that turn it’s guns on people who speak out for their rights and share of the country’s resources.
    Now DNO may not like what I havd said but I trust that DNO embraces free speech. If the government can carry arms why not the citizens

    • Tom Brown
      February 23, 2016

      You should be the first one the gangs use the gun on for you to call the same police for help.. You have a problem with the Government to bad. The people went to vote and put the best party in and you still vex about it. Get over it we are now in 2016. Police congratulations and continuing doing the job you are expected to do. Government continue helping the police in what ever way or means to do your job.

      • February 23, 2016

        Whatever you wish for me I wish twice as much for you. If you think I vex because a corrupt regime scam it’s way into office you are so wrong. Unlike you I don’t rely on politicians to get by. I will chant down coruption as long as I have breath red , blue or green.
        I reserve the right to protect myself from anybody or institution and that includes a corrupt government and corrupt police.
        The people must arm themselves against ANY government red, blue or green.

        I hope you take your brain out-of your posterior

  20. Lead singer
    February 23, 2016

    Blackmore reminds me of the fire bombing of GON Emanuel, on Christmas morning 2010, and Charlo, then national security minister, went on Kairi with his friends, and told the nation who was the culprit. The only sad thing is they have not helped us with an arrest. I hope Blackmore as a former police officer will help us arrest those responsible for these guns

  21. Doc. Love
    February 23, 2016

    Dominica is not Syria, maybe it is like Syria in terms of the manner the President runs Syria with his dictatorial behavior. The President of Syria like Skeritt controls the Churches, the Commercial Sector, the Unions, and many other Institutions because they are very quiet on issues affecting the country. When was the last time the legal association called the press to give an opinion on a legal matter which is affecting the country. Case in point, the new I PO legislation, the voters I.D cards, the many crooked diplomats holding Dominica’s passport. When was the last time, the Churches comment on the dangerous statements made by Skeritt and those authorized to speak on his behalf. Case in point, go to hell, publicly calling parliamentarians, traitors, and should be intimidated, Baroness’s insults, sue sa cel. When was the last time we heard a comment from the DAIC who is struggling under the weight of the Chinese who have invaded the commercial sector in Roseau.

  22. dissident
    February 23, 2016

    society is decaying after 16 years of labor party rule!!
    Citizens attacking police officers as well.

    Mark you I recall a few years ago when a police officer was attacked (fire bombed) at his home in River Estate. Said officer is still on de force………i don’t recall any investigation that was conducted.
    Remember GON Emmanuel????
    Where is de justice?……we de public watching everything right boldly in our face.

    One thing leads to another.
    Dat old football all you have just picking up dust and filth as it goes along!!!!

  23. Floridian diaspora
    February 23, 2016

    Correction sir, Dominica has become exactly like Syria and Iraq. It’s a nation of unrest. No jobs, desperation, unsettled minds, economic instability. Labor at the best!!! Thanks to the economic atmosphere that your government has created these crimes and guns won’t stop. Your government is the root of the problem. Do yourselves and Dominica by extent a favor and eject yourselves from office. It is only under the RED umbrella there crimes has escalated out of control. This criminal nation is merely just a reflection of the immoral behavior of the government. Time to own up to it and face the facts

  24. ArayofLight
    February 23, 2016

    :lol: maybe there is a training school around, just saying

  25. Independent Observer
    February 23, 2016

    The Americans may be willing to donate the modern high-tech patrol vessel to intercept those involved in the drug and arms trade….. Maybe we can start there.

    • wappap
      February 23, 2016

      How many times must the US give them vessels and money to build a proper facility? These politicians know why they are not pressing drug dealers harder. When the Venezuelans were arrested and imprisoned for trafficking cocaine didn’t Skerrit demand their release with supplies and their boat immediately dispatching them? What message was he sending to the locals and others watching. Children live what they learn!

  26. Justina charles
    February 23, 2016

    A joke dat man blackmoore…..the U.S donated 2 boats and money the park at the port now the government thinknig of purchasing high tech vessel…plźzz

  27. My Way
    February 23, 2016

    Interesting Blackmore says Dominica is not Syria or Iraq. Though I Agee with him, but does he know how many agents we have selling passport in the middle east? Does he understand that Syrians and Iraqis with a diplomatic passport of Dominica can easily bring deadly weapons to Dominica? How certain is he that our passport is not already in the hands os ISIS and just a matter of time before they use it to do what they do best?

  28. Big Bannan
    February 23, 2016

    Hint: Iraq and Syria have one thing in common. Their problems stem from Dictatorships, corruption and governments who fail to give up leadership either by force or Bribery. ,

  29. Big Bannan
    February 23, 2016

    Unfortunately if you do not create jobs and educate our youth i’m afraid its only going to get More Black Mr. Black More.

  30. February 23, 2016

    Minister Blackmoore, what happened to the U.S. funded Coast Guard base in the north which should have been equipped with at least two high-powered sea vessels to intercept the movement of drugs and guns in our waters?? Why do our current leaders believe that we Dominicans quickly forget??? The wastage of public funds and aide earmarked towards specific projects can indeed come back to haunt us huh Mr. Blackmoore? How can we come back now and say that we are alarmed at the proliferation of drugs and guns in our society when we squandered the opportunity to effectively patrol our waters and prevent the vast majority of these illegal items entering the Country??? While it is always commendable for politicians to weigh-in on issues of national interest, sometimes some of us may want to reserve our comments in light of how fingers may end up pointing right back at us! So…now that we realize that high-powered rifles are out there we finally see that interception at sea IS important?

  31. From My Conference Room
    February 23, 2016

    I am of the view that there should be a special form of compensation to the Drug Squad officers for such findings. Ministry of National Security should look at some form of incentive to those officers. This is a highly risky job.

    • Shaka Zulu
      February 23, 2016

      It’s called honor, love, sacrifice and dedication to peace and stability. It’s not a lottery. We as a people need to have strong value to ensure a stable society. What greater payment can we ask for from preventing loss of life and preserving society. Not everything has a monetary value and just as we give those officers flack when they screw up we give them support when they do a good job. You cannot put a monetary value to this kinds of service, it is a job they have taken an oath to do. Add money corrupts the process.

  32. Tjebe Fort
    February 23, 2016

    New vessel? You have two vessels given by the U.S.A. sitting there doing nothing. Why?? You were also going to build a coast guard base in the north. You took the money but sart selling passports for a hotel in the same spot instead. Why?? You closed the police station in Capucine. Why??Let me tell you, that whole north of Dominica turning into a zone controlled by Portsmouth maffia, that is why.

  33. syncronize
    February 23, 2016

    Dominica is becoming a war zone. What you expect when you have its leader travelling to and from the Middle East. We are in serious trouble. The man always out and don’t care about us. He leaves us behind to fend for ourselves and what happen happen. We have no one to turn to, we have no jobs, we cannot pay our bills and the country desperate. What you expect when young people are left struggling on their own. Blackmoire talking but they need to do better than that. Stop the Leader like they had stopped Rosie. Thry said they were going to tie Rosie to a chair so he won’t be able to leave aain and that he will stay home to attend to the bvusiness of the cuntry. What about this man, stop him and tie him to a chair so he can get the country going. The man ojt there looking for criminals to lace his pocket and the country suffering. When he thinks he has had enough dough he is going to abandon ship. My God Dominicans open your eyes. This can never be leadership

  34. Yes
    February 23, 2016

    Excellent work by the police.

  35. Rolle
    February 23, 2016

    I want to kno what marijuana do allu..i as a local know nuff big man in high places dat moving cocaine with police help..i hav my gun for years an d only thing i eva shoot was 7 manicou an 9 gouti i cannot afford a license cause of my budget in this lame country..all dem boat allu hav rottening on d coastgaurd base why not recycle them and utilise d money for allu fantasy vessel to rebuild d island or buy a ferry to generate an income..allu moving worst than president bush

  36. %
    February 23, 2016

    Didn’t the USA give us/donate a patrol boat, to intercept drugs/firearms by extension? This is a WEAK statement .’.THIS STATEMENT does not give comfort to concerned members of the public.

  37. cameron
    February 23, 2016

    Blackmoore dominica is doomed,go after the big fish dealers,they are the one bringing in all the guns,stop fooling the people,dominica is filled with corruption so what is the result,these guys that are doing these crimes are your labour supporters.

    • Tom Brown
      February 23, 2016

      Hell no not labour supports but of the Blue bug train workers. The big fish are the ones with workers that giving LL money to pay back for his lang sal.

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