DOMINICA'S GUN CRISIS: 11 homicides this year, task force deploys 30 officers

Dominica's police force is stepping up its fight against illegal firearms following a spike in gun seizures and ongoing murder investigations, Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette announced at a briefing on Monday, July 14.

Two separate shooting incidents struck Roseau in early July. On July 8th, a gunman fired from a vehicle near the Alliance Française building, fatally shooting Jeanyves Bruno of Canefield. Three days later, a second shooting on Ship Street wounded a South Korean worker employed on the Logos ship; he was treated and released from hospital.

The island has seen 11 homicides so far this year, with four involving firearms. Police have closed six cases, though the gun-related deaths remain under investigation. Officers have identified suspects in three of the remaining firearm homicides. Five people are being hunted in connection with these cases and deemed 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.

In response, police have established a dedicated Firearms Task Force with at least 30 officers under an inspector's command. Since June 6th, enforcement operations have recovered 7 firearms, 84 rounds of ammunition, 16 motorcycles, 3 vehicles, and $15,000 in cash, alongside 1.1 kilograms of cocaine and 4 arrests. Officers have conducted 40 vehicle checkpoints and 13 house searches during this period.

Port of entry screening has been particularly effective. This year alone, authorities have intercepted 49 firearms and 289 rounds of ammunition, already surpassing 2023's total, including three AR-15-style rifles. Corbette characterised such weapons as "weapons of war" unsuitable for Dominica's streets.

Police have introduced a firearm amnesty allowing people to hand in illegal weapons without prosecution at any police station, through clergy, or via trusted individuals. A $1,000 reward is available for tips leading to illegal firearm recovery. Anonymous information can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477).