Dominica government and UNLIREC host senior-level inter-agency roundtable to strengthen firearms regulation and public safety

The Commonwealth of Dominica’s Government, through its Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), will stage a three-day Inter-Institutional Roundtable from April 8 to 10, 2026.

A press release from the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs states that the purpose of this engagement is to bolster national efforts to tackle the issues of illegal firearms and armed violence.

The event will assemble high-level representatives from across government sectors, including national security, policing, justice, foreign affairs, gender affairs, and monitoring and evaluation, among other key institutions.

The ministry says that these discussions are part of Dominica’s continued push to advance the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, a regional initiative focused on curbing illicit weapons trafficking, reducing violence, and enhancing public safety throughout the Caribbean.

As per the release, throughout the three-day programme, participants will take part in policy exchanges, technical briefings, and structured sessions designed to improve collaboration among agencies, strengthen firearm control frameworks, and support the advancement of Dominica’s National Action Plan under the Roadmap.

Main areas of focus will include the trafficking of firearms, legislative measures, systems for marking and tracing weapons, management of firearms and ammunition, prevention of diversion, and the use of data to inform decision-making.

The Roundtable will also reportedly serve as a space to strengthen cooperation among national authorities, UNLIREC, CARICOM IMPACS, and international partners, promoting a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to firearms control and violence prevention.

By the end of the meeting, participants are expected to identify key national priorities, outline potential roles for civil society organizations, and highlight opportunities for future technical support aimed at fostering safer communities and sustainable development in Dominica.

The ministry reports that the initiative has been made possible through funding provided by the Government of the United States of America.

Remarks will be delivered by Honourable Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, along with other government officials and representatives from CARICOM IMPACS and UNLIREC.