The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (Caricom Impacs) commenced a pivotal four-day gathering on Monday in St Kitts and Nevis, tackling the pressing issue of escalating violent crime fueled by illegal firearms across the region.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew highlighted the concerning surge in gun-related violence, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to combat this growing menace.
Prime Minister Drew, speaking at a Caricom Crime Gun Intelligence Unit meeting, underscored the grim reality faced by his nation, St Kitts and Nevis, plagued by several incidents of gun violence over the past year.
He reiterated the commitment of law enforcement agencies in his country to quell the spike in crime witnessed particularly throughout April.
Caricom’s unified efforts
The meeting marked the inception of a series orchestrated by Caricom Impacs, dedicated to raising awareness and fostering collaboration in addressing the pervasive issue of gun crime.
Scheduled to span all 15 Caricom member states in the upcoming months, these gatherings aim to fortify the region’s capacity to detect and deter firearms-related offenses.
Combatting gun trafficking
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, Executive Director of Caricom Impacs, emphasized the imperative nature of these initiatives in light of the alarming findings presented in The Weapons Compass: The Caribbean Firearms Study 2023.
Highlighting the disproportionately high rates of violent deaths, particularly among women, the study underscores the urgent need for concerted action to curb the scourge of illegal firearms.
Reflecting on progress and challenges ahead
Prime Minister Drew reflected on the journey since the inception of Caricom Impacs almost 18 years ago, acknowledging strides made in capacity-building and policy initiatives to address gun trafficking and violence.
However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and the imperative for continued innovation in advancing regional security.
Confronting the root causes
Drew reiterated the insidious nature of illegal firearms trafficking, recognizing it as a direct affront to national borders and a grave threat to the safety and security of Caribbean nations.
He urged collective vigilance and a steadfast commitment to combatting the proliferation of illicit weapons, underscoring the imperative to safeguard the region’s most valuable asset — its people.
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