In a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of illegal firearms and related criminal activities, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is launching a one-month Gun and Ammunition Amnesty set to commence on October 1, to October 31, 2023.
Minister of National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore made the announcement at a press conference during which time he emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and security of Dominica’s citizenry.
According to Blackmoore, over the years, substantial strides have been made to enhance the capabilities of the police force to include training, equipment provision, and active policing plans in an effort to rid the streets of illegal firearms. The Minister further averred that legislative changes have also been introduced to impose stricter penalties and a broader range of consequences for those found in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
“However, the fight against illegal firearms and the use of those firearms to cause harm and bring death to others is not one that can be fought by the authorities alone,” he stressed, adding that while remaining vigilant, the government aims to adopt innovative strategies to curtail and discourage the use of illegal firearms.
“Some of the ways that we have already begun to tackle this problem is through more robust policing techniques and review of legislation through the engagement of a consultant drafter. The Government is now adding to these measures a Gun and Ammunition Amnesty that will commence from October 1, 2023, and end on October 31, 2023,” Blackmoore revealed.
The firearm and ammunition amnesty, which echoes a similar initiative offered in 2007, will, according to the minister, encourage individuals in possession of illegal weapons or ammunition to surrender them without fear of legal repercussions.
The amnesty is directed at two distinct groups of people Blackmoore said, namely “those who know they are in possession of illegal weapons or ammunition and secondly those who are perhaps innocent custodians of a weapon or ammunition and possibly even unsure as to its legal status, but too frightened to do anything about it.”
“Now is your opportunity to surrender these illegal firearms and to play your part in making Dominica safer for all of us,” he declared. “Loss of life particularly young men, has become a national problem and so we must act now. Therefore, if you are aware that your loved one or friend has an illegal firearm and ammunition, encourage them to surrender these items.”
Surrendering illegal firearms and ammunition during the amnesty can be done at any police station across the island. After the amnesty period concludes, the government intends to strengthen gun and bail acts significantly, closing existing loopholes.
The National Security Minister further emphasized that those found with illegal firearms or ammunition will face a minimum jail term of five years. Furthermore, if an illegal firearm is used to cause harm, robbery, or, tragically, to take a life, the individual will remain in jail until the trial concludes.
Reflecting on the existing laws related to gun crimes, the Minister acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review.
As a result, former Attorney General Anthony Laronde, a distinguished legal draftsman, has been enlisted to review relevant laws, including the Firearms Act and the Bail Act. The objective is to ensure that the law and sanctions are proportionate to the severity of the crimes committed.
Blackmore, any news about the fugitive by the name of Malick Skerrit. Do we know where he is hiding? Why did he leave DA in such a hurry? Come on, give us an update.
Dominica’s legislative body is currently held together by duct tape and dreams, with a helping of school glue. The law isn’t properly enforced when people are killed with knives and cutlasses. How are they really planning to enforce the law when people are now killed with firearms, the natural progression of the downward slope of overall safety?
when the government of Dominica makes a mockery of the constitution in the house of parliament. the pm son has an accident and he’s flown out of the country. what example are you all setting for the young Dominicans? young people are looking up to you all what example are you all setting? what about baby sara? start by respecting the constitution and following the rule of law. if the president elect plans on being a puppet and quiet like the previous one. Then we all have to give an answer at the end of this life. God is still God and He his on his throne watching.
be the example you all want to see in the young generation
Very well stated. Rules and laws apply to all but them. I have asked the question on many occasions, how do these guns come to our island. There is customs/border control at the airport, there is customs/border control at the seaports. These people aren’t doing their jobs properly! Who supervises these people? It’s the puppets that Skerrit and Blackmoore control and pay. And what about that female commander of the ‘snipers and navy seals’. Where did she get the weapons from. Maybe there is more to this. Could it be that we have a weapons trader on the island that brings these guns in semi ‘legitimately’??? These hand guns fit easily in ‘diplomatic luggage’. Who are the holders of our diplomatic passports??
How can this man stand in front of us, lecture us and take the moral high ground. How about Baby Sarah, Blackman? Have you been hold to account yet? Of course not, Skerrit granted an amnesty!!
Man you are one of the reasons why so much crime is happening in Dominica and youRaymon Blackmore, a young man and former police officer seems to be the head of the bad gang in the Skerrit cabal and nobody will respect or listen to you.
I would really like to call you by your real title but I know DNO will not allow me. But wait nou, what is the difference between a person who sheds innocent blood with or without a license gun and one who does the same with an unlicensed gun? Are they not all criminals in God’s sight and the public?
It all depends on who has the unlicensed firearm. If you are a friend of Skerrit and his government you could even expose it and all the police will do is pretend they didn’t see it. If you are their friend you could even point it at someone who is a supporter of the opposition and the police will see to it that the gun finds its way back to the known unlicensed owner, like we saw in the case of Bobbles.
But if you are a supporter of the opposition or a member of the opposition the police will stop you, harass you, come and search your house at 3:00 in the morning even if they are not sure you own a gun. So we all know how that works in Dominica with Skerrit and his corrupt mongoose gang and their drug dealer friends and their snipers.
Where’s the incentive Blackmore? You are not offering anything nuh daddy.Put some kinda monetary value behind this to get results.
change your approach and something will work.. the police are called after or during a crime most times, reaching on a crime scene 45 mins later cannot protect or save anybody, time to make the liscense and permits to these weapons more accessible , cause the requirements almost seems that you must be somebody of a certain status to need a gun… when a thief /murderer/rapist breaks into your home armed and dangerous what can you do but submit? or die ? regular citizens need protection from these crazy times and it’s clear the police can’t do that what they waiting for to see that another kidnapping? must be
Man take that stupid request and you and Roosevelt shove it!
May be if you knew the people of Salisbury had some guns to defend themselves against you and Roosevelt when you sent your goons to fire military size bullets into their homes, firing on defenseless women and children, yo would not so boldly attack the defenseless.
Feel what it’s like to live in fear of a revolution Rayburn, the same fear you instilled in the people when you fired on them; your goons had orders to shoot to kill, who gave those Rayburn, was it you or Roosevelt?
I believe in fighting fire with fire!
“The wording fighting fire with fire came much later than Shakespeare’s usage in 1596. The phrase appears in print, almost certainly for the first time, is in a reminiscence by American writer, Henry Tappan’s reminiscence, A Step from the New World to the Old, and Back Again:”
The people will fight fire with fire at the appropriate time; sucker?
Government give what my behind!
…Hi lazy ministers as d PM say….how many guns are u expecting to get?…what about we have snippers? when did u pull her up 4 this? total waste of time ministry….I see this regime as …I will let u hold ministry just to stay quiet….same as d Charlie….paying men to do absolutely nothing….but one day as my grand mother say….one day one day…..I hope these cooked men can pray the lord prayer….Amen
This gun amnesty has been tried in many other jurisdictions with no positive results. It is an easy, feel good method of deceiving the public into thinking that the government is finally doing something to curb crime.
Twenty consecutive years under the same stewardship and there has never been a crime prevention plan. Just imagine that!
Put a mobile police station on wheels temporarily in hotspot areas. Place more police officers on foot, bicycle and mobile patrols through most communities. Build a strong bond between law enforcement and potential witnesses to crime ( the people). Create a professional police service.
This big announcement of gun amnesty sounds good but amounts to nothing much. Hard work breeds success. Stop walking the same unsuccessful trail of others. Go to the forest and create your own trail that fits your unique situation.