CARICOM IMPACS: New explosives storehouse to be constructed in Dominica

Assistant Director of Policy, Strategy and Innovation (Ag.) at Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) Callixtus Joseph has announced that plans are in place for the construction of a new explosives storehouse in Dominica.

He made the announcement while he was addressing the opening ceremony of a  3-day Inter-Institutional Round  Table meeting which took place from April 8 to 10, 2026.

The meeting was organized by 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 (CARICOM IMPACS).

“We are also pleased to note that CARICOM IMPACS is currently strengthening Dominica’s firearms ballistics capabilities through the provision of brass tacks support and equipment,” he said. “In addition we are providing firearm marking instruments to the police service and we are also supporting the introduction of modern digital firearms licensing and registration system in Dominica.”

According to Joseph, this is not just about digitizing systems in Dominica also, it is about helping Dominica to build a more modern, efficient and accountable firearms licensing and registration regime. One that is aligned with better legislation, international best practice, but better-able to support traceability and better equipped to support oversight and administration.

We are also working closely with the Government of Dominica and the police service to identify suitable land for the construction of a new explosive storehouse.

 According to him, in the coming weeks, CARICOM IMPACS together with its partner The Mines Advisory Group(MAG) will provide further training especially in the demolition and disposal of unserviceable weapons and explosives.

“Dominica is also expected to benefit from further operations and there are many other issues separate and a part from issues we are dealing with firearms,”Joseph stated. “For instance we will be conducting some operations on maritime joint operations soon in Dominica.”

Together, Joseph believes that these initiatives will help to strengthen preparedness, coordination and national enforcement capabilities.

“Dominica’s engagement is important not only for Dominica itself, but for the wider region,” he emphasized. “Every step taken to strengthen accountability, every step taken to strengthen tracing, every step taken to strengthen record keeping, marking stock, filing security, investigation and enforcement as to a stronger regional response.”

Joseph said CARICOM IMPACS looks forward to continuing to work with the Government of Dominica and all relevant stakeholders as the process moves forward.