Dominica's government is reviewing its Firearms Act and Bail Act to strengthen national security and reduce serious crime, the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs said.
Former Attorney General Anthony Laronde has been engaged to lead the review of the Firearms Act. The government is examining whether to remove judicial discretion in cases where a person is found with multiple illegal firearms used to commit an offence, so that such cases go directly to jail rather than being treated as summary matters at the court's discretion.
Current law sets penalties of 25 years in prison and a $700,000 fine for trafficking illegal firearms. Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said the government is looking to make adjustments to strengthen these provisions.
The government is also reviewing Section 7 of the Bail Act, which governs bail for serious crimes including murder. The ministry said different judges have interpreted this section differently, with some placing the burden of proof on the accused to show they will appear in court, while others place it on the prosecution.
The proposed amendment would clarify that the accused must prove they will not flee and will present themselves to answer charges. Minister Blackmoore described this as placing "reverse onus on the defendant." The changes are intended to improve public safety and give courts better tools to handle gun crimes and serious offences.
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