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Dominica — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 131
2008: 7
2007: 7
2006: 5
2005: 8
2004: 8
2003: 8
2002: 9
2001: 1
2000: 2
1999: 72
1998: 9

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 19.401
2008: 10.45
2007: 10.45
2006: 7.46
2005: 11.94
2004: 11.76
2003: 11.76
2002: 13.24
2001: 1.47
2000: 2.94
1999: 9.753
1998: 12.17

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Number of Gun Homicides

In Dominica, annual firearm homicides total

1998: 12

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Dominica, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

1998: 1.434

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Number of Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, annual suicides by any means total

2009: 65
2008: 6
2007: 2
2006: 4
2005: 4
2004: 1
2003: 3
2002: 2
2001: 3
2000: 3

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Dominica, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 2.735

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Dominica, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is prohibited6

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Dominica, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 7

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Dominica is reported to be US$3688 (2005)

Import Control

In Dominica, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 9 7 10

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Dominica is reported to be US$6,8178 (2009)

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Dominica, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law11

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Dominica do not include11 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Dominica is categorised as permissive12

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Dominica is the Firearms Act 197313

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Dominica are regulated by the Commissioner of Police14 9

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Dominica, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law11

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Dominica, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms and any firearm with a shortened barrel15 6 9

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Dominica, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited15 6 9

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Dominica, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence15 6 9

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Regulation of Handguns

In Dominica, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence15 6 9

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Dominica, only licensed gun owners14 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Dominica are not required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm11

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Dominica is 18 years16

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Dominica must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental and addiction15 16 9 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Dominica, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required11

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Dominica does not stipulate11 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Dominica, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required11 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Dominica gun owners are licensed for an indefinite period or until the licence is revoked or otherwise terminated9

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Dominica are permitted to possess any number of firearms11

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Dominica is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition11

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Dominica, the law does not require11 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Dominica, licensed firearm dealers are required17 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in Dominica is obliged16 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Dominica, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted16

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Dominica, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful16 18

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Dominica, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined11

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Dominica, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated11 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Dominica do not include11 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Dominica do not include11 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Government

Government regulations in Dominica do not include11 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Dominica do not include11 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Dominica, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is not required by law11

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Firearm Tracing

In Dominica, state authorities carry out19 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Dominica, state authorities do not employ11 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Dominica, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit20 21

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Dominica, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit20 21

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Dominica, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 2 years prison and a fine22 21

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Dominica are not known to have implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

Organization of American States

On 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Dominica adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been ratified23 24 by Dominica

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Dominica voted to begin25 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed26 by Dominica

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Dominica committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects27

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Dominica has yet to submit a national report28 29 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Dominica, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated29

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Dominica, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated29

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Dominica submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is not apparent29

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated29 by Dominica to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Dominica has not declared30 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Dominica has been a Member State of the United Nations since 197831

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list32 Dominica as a Participating State
Last Updated on 25 January 2012

Short References

1.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Intentional Homicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5678)Full Citation

2.

UNODC.2004.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (1998-2000).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 March. (Q91)Full Citation

3.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Latin America and the Caribbean, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3817)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Dominica.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,1 April. (Q4341)Full Citation

5.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Suicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5680)Full Citation

6.

Dominica.1973.‘Prohibition on Manufacture of Firearm or Ammunition.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3207)Full Citation

7.

Dominica.1973.‘Restriction on Importation, Exportation and Transhipment of Firearms and Ammunition.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3213)Full Citation

8.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

9.

Dominica.1973.‘General Provisions as to Grant and Issue of Licences, Certificates and Permits.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3208)Full Citation

10.

Dominica.1973.‘Travellers to Make Declaration of Firearms and Ammunition.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3214)Full Citation

11.

Dominica.1973.‘Firearms Act – Short Title.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q4134)Full Citation

12.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

13.

Dominica.1973.‘Firearms Act – Short Title.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3201)Full Citation

14.

Dominica.1973.‘Exercise of Commissioner's Functions.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3203)Full Citation

15.

Dominica.1973.‘Firearms Act – Interpretation.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3202)Full Citation

16.

Dominica.1973.‘Offences Relating to Selling or Transferring Firearms or Ammunition.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3206)Full Citation

17.

Dominica.1973.‘Records and Returns.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3210)Full Citation

18.

Dominica.1973.‘Special Restrictions Upon Holders of Firearm Dealers' Licences.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3209)Full Citation

19.

Caribbean Net News. 2009. ‘US and Nine Caribbean Islands Sign Agreement to Help Trace Illegal Guns.’ 1 April. (N165) Full Citation

20.

Dominica.1973.‘Carrying of Firearms and Ammunition in Public Places – Power of Police.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3211)Full Citation

21.

Dominica.1973.‘Carrying Firearm or Ammunition in Public Place.’ Laws of Dominica, Firearms Act, Chapter 15:31, Act No.37 of 1973 [with Amendments to 1990].Roseau:Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica,25 October. (Q3205)Full Citation

22.

New Zealand.1992.‘Title and Commencement.’ Arms Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/346) [as at 1 January 2010].Wellington:Parliamentary Counsel Office,11 December. (Q3024)Full Citation

23.

OAS / UNODA.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials / CIFTA.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Organization of American States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 November. (Q3244)Full Citation

24.

OAS.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA): Signatures and Ratifications.’ Organization of American States, Department of International Law.Washington DC:Organization of American States,14 November. (Q3262)Full Citation

25.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

26.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

27.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

28.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

29.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

30.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

31.

UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

32.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation