GRENADA - BLUE LANTERN ON LICENSE 05-1001037 FOR

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 001543

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

PM/DDTC FOR REBECCA VALERIN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC GJ XL
SUBJECT: GRENADA - BLUE LANTERN ON LICENSE 05-1001037 FOR
MATTHEW DOPWELL

REF: STATE 99016


1. (U) Post was unable to conduct a site visit to Grenada
but gathered information on the end user via telephone and
email. (Note: Embassy Grenada is a one-officer post and at
present no American is stationed there. Thus, Embassy
Bridgetown has taken responsibility for this Blue Lantern
Check. End note.) Post did not uncover any derogatory
information on Matthew Dopwell, and he appears to be a
legitimate firearm retailer.


2. (U) The end user's first license was granted on August
15, 1985, and renewed on February 8, 2002, which is valid for
five years. The business is owned by Matthew Dopwell and his
brother, Donald Dopwell, who is a junior partner. According
to Matthew Dopwell, the firearms sales in Grenada is small in
comparison to his main business, Dopco Ltd. Dopco Ltd was
registered in June 1995 and is currently located in Grand
Anse. The directors of Dopco Ltd include Matthew Dopwell,
his brother Donald Dopwell, and Daphne Belmar. Primary
customers include business owners, farmers, hunters
associations, security firms and the Grenada Gun and Rifle
Association. Dopco is not in the export business.


3. (U) The Grenada Gun and Rifle Association and some
hunting associations regularly buy ammunition from Dopco.
Firearm licenses are usually restricted to one of each type
per person while ammunition is restricted to amounts
determined by the police. Dopco is the larger of the two
firearms dealers on the island, with regular clients who
typically purchase approx. 50 rounds, twice a year.


4. (U) All stock are stored by the police, with the
exception of demonstration products issued to Matthew Dopwell
for the purpose of sales and marketing. These demonstration
products are stored in a safe at Dopwell's home until
returned to the police. Matthew Dopwell is licensed to use
his Glock .380 and 12 gauge shotgun. Matthew Dopwell's
property is additionally protected by guard dogs.


5. (U) Matthew Dopwell keeps records of all firearms
issued, which include date of issue, caliber, serial number,
type, model, and name and address of the customer. The
police also keep a record of all issued firearms. In
addition, the Commissioner of Police approved Dopco as a
licensed firearm dealer to import and sell firearms in
Grenada. Grenadian authorities conducted a thorough
background search before issuing this license.


6. (U) All firearms and ammunition shipped to Grenada must
be met on arrival by the police and remain in their custody
until issued. The licensing process in Grenada requires that
all end users apply to the Commissioner of Police in writing,
with photographs. An investigation and report soon follow.
The applicant is informed in writing when the application has
been approved, at which time the end user has to pay the
license fee and pick up the issued firearm from police
storage. Dopco has a specific import license for the items
they plan to import from the U.S., which was submitted along
with its application. The quantities listed are not intended
for one order or shipment, but will be purchased and shipped
as needed, in accordance with what is authorized under
Dopco's license.


7. (U) Grenada is not a country with a high level of gun
crimes. However, many property owners became accustomed to
having a licensed firearm for their protection, particularly
after Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada in 2004 and left many
small businesses vulnerable to looting. Such looting
resulted in increased sales in handguns. Groups promoting
the recreational use of firearms include four hunting
associations and the Grenada Gun and Rifle Association.
Matthew Dopwell also asserts that gun-related crimes are
committed with illegally imported firearms in Grenada, not
with his licensed firearms.
KRAMER