Regional Bodies Boost Response To Arms Trafficking

Several regional agencies have signed a Letter Of Intent which aims to enhance regional integration of the security and public health responses to firearms trafficking and violence. The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the University of the West Indies, and the Small Arms Survey signed the letter to agree on the joint project. The signing ceremony was conducted on Tuesday evening at the Hyatt Regency and CARICOM IMPACS said the project builds on upon the findings and recommendations of the Caribbean Firearms Study published in 2023. Researcher at the Small Arms Survey, Anne-Séverine said the agreement is timely given CARICOM’s recent view to treat crime and gun violence as a public health issue. And Executive Director of CARICOM Impacs Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones said he believes the integration between all agencies will benefit the region significantly.