By Sue-Ann Wayow
ONLY through international cooperation, can countries effectively tackle the trafficking of firearms.
“Working together, we can further our mutual goal of safety and security of our citizens,” said US Deputy Chief of Mission Shante Moore.
Moore was speaking at the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Firearms Technical Working Group Meeting at the Hyatt Hotel, Port of Spain on Tuesday.
The three-day event was organised by Caricom Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and included collaboration with the US Embassy.
“The United States is pleased to be part of this important effort,” Moore said.
He said, “As our region has grown more interconnected, so too have criminal organisations that seek to exploit gaps in our interdiction efforts. Faced with pressing transnational threats, it is now more essential than ever that we develop integrated and interoperable response efforts to stay one step ahead of the criminals.
“These response efforts must become better coordinated and this Technical Working Group serves as a unique forum to facilitate discussions on how to improve efforts to enhance cooperation at the national and regional levels.”
Moore thanked participants at the event and said that they will be able to help to enhance citizen security by exchanging best practices, gaining a better understanding of new trends and facilitating cooperation efforts to combat illicit trafficking in firearms in the Caribbean.
Recommendations would also be developed on how to strengthen Caribbean priority actions for the consideration of national and regional authorities.
“We look forward to hearing about your national experiences in strengthening our priority actions and together thinking about regional solutions to curb this growing threat,” he said.
Moore added that response efforts must become better coordinated and the Technical Working Group served as a unique forum to facilitate discussions on how to improve efforts to enhance cooperation at the national and regional levels.
He said, “It is my hope that you all come away from this meeting with a strong and continued commitment to engage in regional cooperation, share information, and further develop interoperability to effectively combat illicit trafficking of firearms.”
He reaffirmed the US commitment of the United States to working with Caribbean states as countries deserve to be “safe, secure and prosperous.”
Moore’s statements come one week after the regional crime symposium held at the same location and where there was the call for the US to assist with the reduction of the illegal transportation of guns to the Caribbean countries.
