Caption: Dominica National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore
ROSEAU, DOMINICA – National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore on Wednesday reaffirmed the implementation of a gun amnesty that was announced by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on Tuesday.
In a statement, Blackmore said the decision was made because of recent violent incidents involving illegal firearms, which resulted in one death and three injuries.
He said such events could escalate into a broader crisis, and reaffirmed the government’s “pledge to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and to adopt an even more aggressive campaign to rid the street of illegal firearms.”
Blackmoore also revealed that the amnesty will run from Wednesday, July 16 to August 15, 2025, and is a continuation of previous efforts, including those in 2007 and October 2023.
The government encourages individuals with illegal firearms or ammunition—whether they are certain of their legal status or unsure—to surrender these weapons without fear of prosecution, emphasizing that firearms can be handed in at any police station across the island or through trusted community figures if individuals are apprehensive about surrendering personally.
“The fight against illegal firearms and the use of those firearms to cause harm and bring death to others is not one that can be fought by the authorities alone,” said Blackmoore, emphasising the need for community participation.
Legislation related to firearms will be reviewed and strengthened, with mandatory jail sentences included in the updated laws.
Additionally, a reward of EC$1,000 per firearm will be offered to anyone providing information that leads to the recovery of illegal weapons, as reaffirmed by the Prime Minister. The minister assured the public of an intensified crackdown on illegal firearms, and urged citizens to join in efforts to rid the streets of gun violence and promote a culture of peace and safety.
