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Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has announced a series of bold and immediate initiatives aimed at cracking down on the recent rise in gun violence across Dominica, declaring that the Government will not allow criminal elements to undermine national security or threaten the peaceful nature of the country.

Addressing the nation following a string of brazen shootings, Prime Minister Skerrit expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. “Let me be clear, this Government will not tolerate lawlessness. We will not allow individuals with illegal firearms to destabilize our communities, endanger lives and undermine our national security,” he stated.

In response, the Prime Minister unveiled a comprehensive seven-point strategy designed to restore safety and public confidence. Each measure targets a specific aspect of the growing problem.

The Government's first move is to focus its firepower directly on those trafficking and using illegal weapons.
“We are establishing a dedicated firearms taskforce within the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force,” he announced. “This taskforce will focus solely on identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those involved in the possession, trafficking, and use of illegal firearms.”

The multi-agency unit will involve the police, CID, Special Branch, Canine Unit, Customs and Excise, the Dominica Coast Guard, and the National Joint Intelligence Centre (NJIC), with regional collaboration where necessary.

The Government is also introducing a hotline to help the public aid the police while keeping themselves safe.

“Effective immediately, we are implementing a confidential hotline for members of the public to report illegal firearms or suspicious activity,” said the Prime Minister. “Any individual who provides information that leads to the retrieval of an illegal firearm or ammunition will receive a reward of $1,000 EC. Your identity will be protected; your civic duty will be rewarded.”

Recognizing that some individuals may be willing to disarm voluntarily, the Government is providing a temporary opportunity for redemption.
“We are also declaring a limited amnesty period for anyone in possession of illegal firearms or ammunition to surrender them to law enforcement without fear of prosecution,” PM Skerrit revealed. “This is a chance for citizens to do the right thing and avoid the full force of the law.”

To strengthen law enforcement’s crime-fighting capabilities, high-tech surveillance measures will be implanted around the country.
“We will begin the installation of surveillance camera systems across the country, starting with the city of Roseau,” PM Skerrit said. “This is a long-term investment in our national security infrastructure and a deterrent to criminal activity.”While longer-term tools are being deployed, immediate visibility of law enforcement is being ramped up.
“In the interim, I have directed the police force to increase foot and mobile patrols in Roseau and indeed across the country,” the Prime Minister stated. “We must restore confidence and ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their lives without fear.”

To ensure swifter and more specialized prosecution of gun-related offences, the Government is turning to legal reinforcements.
“I have directed that the state engages a special prosecutor to deal with all major gun-related offences in Dominica,” he noted, signaling a more targeted legal approach to firearm-related prosecutions.

In response to advice from the Dominica Police force and immediate ban on tints for rentals have been announced. 

“The police have advised that a majority of these crimes are carried out utilizing rented vehicles that are highly and heavily tinted.”

PM Skerrit also issued a strong warning to those behind the violence: “We will find you; we will disarm you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. Dominica is a peaceful nation and we will not permit our streets to become battlegrounds.”

The Prime Minister called on citizens to support the efforts of law enforcement. “We must all play our part. Fighting crime must be seen as a societal responsibility,” he said, while extending thanks to the police for their continued service and assuring them of the Government’s full support.

The Prime Minister pledged continued consultation with the Chief of Police and an intensified response in the coming days to ensure Dominica remains a safe place to live, work, and raise families.

“Let us pledge today, in this moment, to put aside all our differences and unite in the defense of our country by rejecting a culture of violence,” PM Skerrit urged. “Let us show care and concern for our fellow citizens, ensuring that we can all continue to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Dominica.”