Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has urged individuals in possession of illegal firearms to hand them over to the authorities, emphasizing the urgent need to remove these weapons from the streets.
Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony and Passing Out Parade of the 36th Recruit Training Course at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, Skerrit underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
“This matter is our number one priority in this country—to crack down on illegal firearms,” he stated. “So if you have one, take it to the nearest police station, please.”
He stressed the importance of public safety, stating, “We need to ensure that people can go to our beaches safely, that they can walk the streets of Dominica without fear of being shot.”
According to Skerrit, maintaining security is a collective responsibility. “This is who we are as a people, and it is the responsibility of everyone—not just the police—to rid our streets and communities of illegal firearms.”
“Everyone, please—a word to the wise is sufficient,” he added. “We are building a nation rooted in strong moral values—a country where families feel safe, businesses operate without fear, and visitors continue to experience warmth and security.”
Dominica has traditionally maintained a relatively low crime rate, which Skerrit attributed to the vigilance of law enforcement and the values upheld by its citizens.
“However, we must never become complacent, for even one crime is one too many,” he cautioned.
Acting Commissioner of Police Lincoln Corbette echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, reaffirming the police force’s dedication to combating crime.
“Gun crime has no place in our society,” he declared. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals wherever they are. This nonsense has to stop—the senseless killing of our brothers and sisters must end.”
In November 2023, then-Minister Rayburn Blackmoore announced that two illegal firearms had been surrendered to the police under the Gun and Ammunition Amnesty, which ran from October 1 to October 31, 2023.
The initiative aimed to address the ongoing issue of illegal firearms and related criminal activities across the country.
Blackmoore highlighted efforts to enhance the police force’s capabilities, including advanced training, improved equipment, and proactive policing strategies. Legislative measures were also introduced to impose stricter penalties and broaden the consequences for illegal firearm possession.
“However, the fight against illegal firearms and the violence they bring is not one that can be fought by the authorities alone,” he pointed out, noting the government’s commitment to innovative strategies aimed at curbing and discouraging their use.