{"id":354161,"date":"2025-12-19T15:22:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T19:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=354161"},"modified":"2025-12-19T19:38:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T23:38:25","slug":"statement-uwp-calls-for-greater-efforts-to-halt-deadly-violence-in-dominica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/statement-uwp-calls-for-greater-efforts-to-halt-deadly-violence-in-dominica\/","title":{"rendered":"STATEMENT: UWP calls for greater efforts to halt deadly violence in Dominica"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Firearms seized by police in October, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The recent double homicides in the North of Dominica have brought into stark reality the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Dominica. The deaths of two young men from Cottage via a drive by shooting,<\/p>\n

is only the latest in an increasing level of gun violence plaguing this country. This violence has resulted in deaths and injuries of several young men at the prime of their lives, with at least 22 homicides registered in this year alone.<\/p>\n

The escalating violence raises concern around the number of deadly weapons on the streets amid recent reports from the United States law enforcement indicating the existence of a significant gun smuggling ring that has brought in several illegal guns into the country. On at least two separate occasions, large quantities of guns and ammunition were intercepted at our ports, but no arrests have been made.<\/p>\n

The UWP-Team Dominica views this senseless violence and killings as being detrimental to the image of our country, in addition to the devastating impact on the families of those affected. We therefore call for a halt to senseless violence. In addition, we urge Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore to improve on government efforts to put an end to the deadly violence and otherwise ensure that the cases are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.<\/p>\n

This should also serve as a wakeup call to the government of Dominica to pay particular attention to the deteriorating economic situation in the country which has left scores of our young people without jobs and in a hopeless condition.<\/p>\n

We also call on the government to devote greater resources for mental health support to families of the victims and the youth that are at risk. Also, we call for a bi-partisan approach, including through public information campaigns and public discussions with a view to tackling the rising levels of violence in our country.<\/p>\n

Finally, the UWP-Team Dominica extends its sincere condolences to all the families that have been impacted by this gun violence here in Dominica.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The recent double homicides in the North of Dominica have brought into stark reality the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Dominica. 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