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Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of gun violence in Dominica, highlighting a sharp rise in firearm seizures, active homicide investigations, and a list of wanted suspects considered armed and dangerous.

At a press briefing on Monday July 14, Corbette confirmed that police are investigating two recent gun-related incidents in Roseau between July 8th and 11th.

“On July 8th, a masked man in a vehicle discharged a firearm near the Alliance Française building, targeting a group of individuals,” he said. “That shooting tragically claimed the life of Jeanyves Bruno of Canefield.”

Just three days later, another shooting occurred on Ship Street, injuring a non-national from South Korea. “The victim, who works aboard the Logos ship, was struck in the buttocks. Thankfully, his injury was not life-threatening and he has since been discharged from hospital,” Corbette reported, adding that support was provided to the victim and his colleagues.

So far this year, Dominica has recorded 11 homicides, four of which involved firearms. While six of the cases have been solved, the gun-related murders remain under investigation. “We have suspects in three of those unsolved firearm cases,” Corbette said, “and we are actively pursuing leads.”

Police are currently searching for five suspects, all of whom are considered armed and dangerous: Ian Alfred of Yampiece, Stockfarm, Brent Alexander, 19, of Silver Lake, Jamaal Ishmael Alexis of Silver Lake, Scott Florent and Ramali Henry. 

“We are urging the public to give us information as to their whereabouts so that we can deal with them accordingly.” Corbette appealed. 

In a major move to curb the movement of illegal guns, the police have launched a dedicated Firearms Task Force, announced earlier by Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit. “The task force, made up of no fewer than 30 officers and led by an inspector of police, will focus solely on removing illegal firearms from our streets,” Corbette stated.

Since June 6th, the police have stepped up operations targeting gun activity across the island. These efforts have already produced significant results, with 7 firearms seized (5 from vehicle checkpoints, 2 from house searches), 84 rounds of ammunition, 16 motorcycles, 3 vehicles, and $15,000 in cash confiscated, 1.1 kilograms of cocaine seized and 4 arrests mad. 

He noted that so far there has been 40 vehicle checkpoints and 13 house searches conducted. 

In total, 49 firearms and 289 rounds of ammunition have been intercepted this year at the port of entry — already surpassing 2023's total seizures. Notably, among these were three high-powered AR-15-style rifles.

“These are weapons of war,” Corbette warned. “They do not belong on the streets of Dominica.”

Year-over-year firearm statistics show fluctuating yet concerning trends, with 94 firearms seized, 2,140 rounds of ammunition, 51 arrests in 2022; 35 firearms, 1,651 rounds, 42 arrests in 2023; 27 firearms, 764 rounds, 31 arrests in 2024; and 49 firearms (at the port), 289 rounds, 21 arrests so far in 2025. 

In response, the police have implemented a firearm amnesty programme, allowing individuals to surrender illegal weapons without fear of prosecution.

“You can take your weapon to any police station, you can take it to a priest, a pastor, or anybody that you are sure will turn the weapon over to the police. You won’t be prosecuted at all if you turn in the weapon to the police.” 

He also noted that a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of illegal firearms. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477).

Corbett called on families and communities to work with the police to reduce these illegal firearms on the streets. 

“I wish to encourage members of the public please report if you have any information for the police. We also call upon parents that know that their child has firearms in the homes, to ask surrender the weapons to the police”