ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced a comprehensive security response Monday following a surge in gun violence that has shaken the Caribbean nation, including the shooting of a crew member from the world’s largest floating book fair.
The multi-pronged approach includes a limited gun amnesty program, establishment of a dedicated firearms task force, and financial rewards for citizens who provide information leading to the seizure of illegal weapons.
Recent Violence Prompts Action
The announcement comes after several violent incidents, including the shooting of a crew member from the Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, who was shot in the buttocks while walking in the capital city of Roseau last week. The victim has undergone surgery at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and is expected to recover.
“Over the past days, Dominica has witnessed troubling acts of gun violence,” Skerrit said during a press conference flanked by Minister of National Security Rayburn Blackmoore, Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette, and other senior police officers. “These incidents, brazen and reckless, have disrupted the peace and shaken the sense of safety that we hold dear as a people.”
New Firearms Task Force
The government is establishing a dedicated Firearms Task Force within the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, designed to focus exclusively on identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those involved in illegal firearm possession, trafficking, and use.
The task force will operate as a multi-agency unit, drawing personnel and resources from:
– Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
– Special Branch
– K9 Unit
– Customs and Excise Division
– Dominica Coast Guard
– National Joint Intelligence Centre (NJIC)
“This Task Force will adopt an aggressive and coordinated approach to stamp out illegal weapons from our streets,” Skerrit emphasized.
Rewards and Amnesty Program
The government has implemented a confidential hotline for citizens to report illegal firearms or suspicious activity. Anyone providing information that leads to the retrieval of an illegal firearm or ammunition will receive a reward of EC$1,000 (approximately US$370) per firearm, with their identity protected.
Additionally, authorities are offering a limited amnesty period for individuals in possession of illegal firearms or ammunition to surrender them without fear of prosecution. Police will announce specific details regarding the timeframe and drop-off procedures.
Zero Tolerance Stance
Skerrit made clear the government’s position on the recent 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.”
The Prime Minister convened an emergency meeting with law enforcement and security officials Sunday upon his return to the country to assess the situation and review response strategies, building upon existing police initiatives.
The comprehensive security response represents Dominica’s commitment to maintaining public safety and addressing the root causes of gun violence in the eastern Caribbean nation. WiredJA
