Dominica Faces Surge; 11 Homicides Recorded This Year

Dominica has reported a troubling increase in homicides this year, with 11 cases documented to date. This information was shared by Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette during a press briefing on Monday.

Of the 11 homicides, four involved firearms. Corbette stated, “For the year thus far, we have recorded 11 homicides. Four of these homicides have been committed with the use of firearms, and I can also report that six of those homicides have been solved, while we actively investigate the others.”

He further elaborated on the firearms-related cases, noting that while three suspects have been identified, no charges have yet been filed. The police have intensified efforts to curb gun violence, seizing seven firearms—five through vehicle checkpoints and two during house searches.

In addition, law enforcement has confiscated 84 rounds of ammunition, 16 motorcycles, and made four arrests, along with seizing $15,000, three motor vehicles, and 1.1 kilograms of cocaine. Corbette highlighted that, throughout the year, a total of 49 firearms and 289 rounds of ammunition have been seized at the port of Dominica.

Among the significant seizures, he pointed out, were three high-powered AR-15 type rifles. “These rifles, as I have said before, are weapons of war and they do not belong on the streets of Dominica,” he emphasized.

Corbette also reached out to parents, urging them to encourage their children, if they possess firearms, to surrender the weapons to the authorities for the safety of the community.