Dominica’s National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has disclosed that a total of “five illegal firearms have been surrendered to the police” following a gun and ammunition amnesty, which came into effect from July 16 to August 15, 2025.
This was done as a continuation of previous efforts, including those in 2007 and October 2023, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of illegal firearms and related criminal activities.
National Security Minister Blackmoore stated that “We had a one-month period where people could have brought in their illegal firearms without fear of being prosecuted or charged… thus far, based on the advice I have gotten from the Police Chief, five firearms have been returned, and they are from Roseau Catchment, Belles, and Portsmouth.”
“It means, therefore, that they made a rational decision to keep their firearms, so the time for talking is over; now is the time to put the brakes on and deal with this gun culture,” he stated.
According to Blackmoore, the firearm issue is being taken very seriously, hence the creation of a special unit within the police force to deal with it.
“We are moving to have, in due time, our own forensic lab where we can start, firstly, with a system to be able to capture the ballistics of guns that are being used to commit crimes; additionally, two police officers will be sent to Trinidad for a period of two years to become scientists in the areas of forensics and will be able to testify before the court,” Blackmoore said.
During the ‘Gun and Ammunition Amnesty’ the government encouraged 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 were apprehensive about surrendering personally.
Blackmoore also revealed that former Attorney General Anthony Laronde is now engaged with government with the purpose of looking at the amening the “Firearms Act”.
“We are going to strengthern the Firearms Act and that process will involve at the stake holders, that is why we also embrace the idea of Community Policing,” the Minister stated.
He also revealed, that there are plans afoot at “mordernizing the Dominica Police Force with emphasis on training and discipline.”
“The police force is a disciplined organization and when people are found wanting, we need to have in place a tribunal to deal with such infractions in a timely and transparent manner,” he remarked.
Firearms and ammunitions surrendered to the police during the amnesty