The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has announced the seizure of a significant cache of illegal firearms and ammunition, underscoring a renewed effort to dismantle gun trafficking syndicates and reduce violent crime on the island.
Between January 23 and June 14, authorities intercepted 42 firearms and 220 rounds of ammunition at the island’s ports of entry. Among those weapons were two high-powered AR-15 rifles, which Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette described as "weapons of war... equivalent to the M16 carried by soldiers."
In addition to the port seizures, police operations across the country resulted in the confiscation of seven more firearms and 69 rounds of ammunition from suspected criminals, bringing the total for the year to 49 firearms and 289 rounds removed from circulation.
“These weapons could have been pointed at anyone in the state,” Acting Chief Corbette said during a press conference. “They are no longer available to criminals to commit harm.”
Twenty-one individuals have been arrested in connection with the seizures, seven of whom have already been convicted and fined by the courts. The remaining cases are still pending.
The Acting Chief of Police reiterated a stern warning to those in illegal possession of firearms. “We will be searching homes, breaking down doors if we have to, to rid the streets of illegal weapons,” he declared. He urged citizens to report knowledge of illegal firearms to trusted officers or through Crime Stoppers, emphasizing that the success of current operations has largely been due to public cooperation.
Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, echoed the urgency of the situation and praised the coordinated work of the Police Force, Customs, and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
“There is clearly a syndicate at work,” Minister Blackmoore stated. “And we are committed to dismantling it, working in concert with regional and international partners.”
He revealed that the government had invested over EC$2.7 million in the procurement and installation of high-tech scanners at all ports of entry, including Portsmouth’s Longhouse port. These scanners, funded through the Asset Forfeiture Fund managed by the FIU, have been instrumental in detecting illegal firearms and components.
“We are using the criminals’ own money to fight crime,” Blackmoore noted. “That is justice in action.”
Minister Blackmoore also called on the judiciary to uphold the full weight of the law in dealing with firearms offenses, reminding the public that trafficking in illegal firearms carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison or a fine of $700,000.
As part of a broader national security strategy, the Minister announced plans to expand coast guard presence in strategic locations and to further invest in border surveillance and community policing. He appealed to citizens, churches, schools, and community leaders to work with law enforcement.
“This country belongs to all of us,” he said. “The issue of illegal firearms is not about politics or religion. It’s about protecting our peace and preventing a societal nightmare.”
Both the Acting Police Chief and Minister Blackmoore urged parents and guardians to act if they suspect their children are harboring illegal weapons. “Surrender them before we come looking,” the Police Chief warned.
Dominica has become a founding member of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), an initiative aimed at promoting peaceful dispute resolution worldwide. Dr. Vince Henderson, Dominica's Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, signed the Convention on the Establishment of IOMed on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong.
IOMed aligns with Article 33 of the UN Charter, which advocates for mediation in international disputes. The organization seeks to complement existing legal frameworks, foster harmonious international relations, strengthen global cooperation, and offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation and arbitration.
The establishment of IOMed was primarily spearheaded by the People's Republic of China (PRC). The PRC hosted the Preparatory Office Inauguration in February 2023 and played a crucial role in coordinating negotiations, shaping the operational framework, and finalizing the convention. Their leadership helped secure the support of the 33 founding members who attended the signing ceremony.
This convention marks a significant step in global governance, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution and international cooperation at a time when global conflicts are increasing. These conflicts lead to widespread displacement, destruction of livelihoods, economic instability, social unrest, and human suffering, with far-reaching effects on trade, food security, and diplomatic relations.
By signing the Convention, Dominica reaffirms its commitment to an impartial and structured platform for mediation. Dominica and Jamaica were the only two CARICOM countries present at the signing.
The Dominica Hospitals Authority officially launched the "Adopt-a-Planter" programme at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) today, following a ceremony held at the DCFH Ground Floor Foyer. This initiative aims to engage local businesses, NGOs, and individuals in taking responsibility for green spaces at the DCFH. This involvement will help beautify the hospital grounds and support an environment that promotes healing and recovery.
Mrs. Nicole Laville, Director of Engineering Services for the Dominica Hospitals Authority, explained that incorporating plants into the hospital setting is not merely cosmetic but a significant step toward providing quality, holistic care and promoting recovery. The DCFH was designed with this in mind, featuring 65 planters installed during its construction.
There are two participation options for the "Adopt-a-Planter" programme:
- Self-administered care: Adopters are responsible for maintaining their planter according to DCFH guidelines.
- Hospital-administered care: For a small fee, the hospital will maintain the planter on behalf of the adopter.
The DCFH committee will provide guidance and support to all adopters, ensuring that selected plants are safe for the hospital environment. Adopters are expected to assist with tasks such as soil preparation, fertilization, weed removal, general upkeep, watering, mulching, and repainting planters when necessary, with creativity being encouraged.
Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernization, and Kalinago Upliftment, commended the Hospital Authority for this initiative, highlighting the importance of citizens participating in preserving the island's natural beauty. He noted that while other national issues often take precedence, this programme underscores the need for collaborative efforts to protect natural surroundings.
Hon. Cassanni Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, praised the "Adopt-a-Planter" programme as a positive step towards improving healthcare in Dominica. He encouraged participants to remember their planters, especially on World Environment Day, and to contribute to creating a welcoming environment that supports wellness for both patients and staff. Minister Laville also commended his team and partners for their successful execution of this sustainability-focused initiative.
The Government of Dominica is moving ahead with the construction of a synthetic athletics track, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s sports infrastructure development. Minister with responsibility for Sports, Hon. Oscar George, made the announcement on Wednesday, June 4 2025, confirming that site preparation at Point Ronde will commence as early as next week.
Minister George described the synthetic track as “one of the few, if not the only missing pieces in our sports development to date,” and emphasized the administration’s commitment to seeing the project through.
“The ministry continues to work alongside our partners, the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association under the leadership of Mr. Brendan Williams, World Athletics, and the Qatar Development Fund,” George said. “Through the efforts of the president of athletics, we started our engagement with World Athletics in 2023 with an application for a new class one athletics track.”
The site at Point Ronde has been identified as the most suitable location following a rigorous selection process, which included conducting salt resistance tests to ensure ground viability. The Minister stated that the site has passed all requirements and is ready for the initial phase of development.
“Our responsibility in this process was to identify a suitable land space for the laying of the track and to get the site into a suitable condition by clearing and leveling,” he stated. “The clearing of the site will commence next week.”
Minister George also revealed that a consultant from World Athletics is expected to visit Dominica soon to finalize the details for the implementation of the project.
This project, once completed, will provide Dominica with its first class one synthetic athletics track, aligning the country with international standards and giving local athletes a long-awaited home for training and competition. It also represents the latest example of international collaboration in Dominica’s development, with key support from World Athletics and the Qatar Development Fund.
Stakeholders in the local athletics community have long called for a synthetic track to enhance performance, attract regional events, and inspire the next generation of athletes. With the groundwork now set to begin, the dream of a world-class facility is finally becoming reality.
The site will be named after Thea Lafond-Gadson, who won a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Government of Dominica has given the green light to a long-awaited EC$13.8 million project to restore and upgrade the lighting at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. This significant investment marks a major step forward in enhancing the nation's premier sporting venue. The project, which faced delays due to prolonged negotiations, will be funded by the National Lottery Commission.
A "Far Superior" Lighting System on the Horizon
Hon. Oscar George, Minister with responsibility for Youth and Sports, announced the approval this week, emphasizing the government's continued commitment to sports infrastructure despite other national priorities.
"This critical upgrade will be far superior to the previous lighting system that existed at Windsor Park," Minister George stated. "It includes the installation of high-quality lighting systems consistent with ICC specifications, a modern control room, backup generators, and supporting facilities."
The contract has been awarded to Prava International Inc., a Canadian-based company renowned for its expertise in sports lighting. An initial US$1 million mobilization payment has already been made to facilitate early procurement activities, including anchor bolts, rebars, foundational works, and shipping.
Minister George expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for his leadership and dedication in bringing the project to fruition. "I want to thank the Hon. Prime Minister for his leadership in this process and, most importantly, for seeing it fit to invest such large sums in sports at this time. This is very commendable," he remarked.
To ensure transparency and public awareness, a technical committee has been established to oversee the project's implementation, with regular updates to be shared with the media.
Construction is expected to commence in earnest by the end of June. The first set of containers carrying key components is expected to arrive by mid-June, followed by the commencement of foundational work for the new light poles.
"This $15.8 million investment underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining Dominica’s premier sporting venue even amidst other national priorities," Minister George added.
This upgrade is poised not only to restore but also to elevate Windsor Park Stadium to meet international standards, enabling Dominica to host high-caliber regional and international sporting events in the future.