PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The United States has reiterated its support for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in their fight against the high rates of crime and violence that are being fueled by illicit firearms trafficking.
Trinidad and Tobago National Security Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds, (front row, third from left); US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Candace A. Bond, Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director, CARICOM IMPACS, Ambassador Todd D. Robinson, Assistant Secretary, US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and Michael P. Ben’Ary, Associate Deputy Attorney General of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and US Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions (front row, second from right) with other participants of the meeting and the Belgian Malinois donated by the US.A statement issued by the Trinidad-based CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) on Friday said that the issues were among topics discussed Thursday during a hybrid meeting which was attended by US partners and CARICOM Commissioners of Police.
It said that the meeting explored ways in which it has been and could further improve the collaboration with the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) to not only stem the wave of firearms-related crimes which are pervading the Caribbean region’s national and regional borders, but to successfully prosecute all those who are involved in the illicit firearms trade.
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, spoke of the high incidents of gun-related crimes across the region.
He said that the Caribbean’s transshipment utility, in relation to the routes exploited between some territories and the European Union (EU), and more closely, the US, was proving to be very valuable for the business of illegal arms and ammunition trafficking.
He commended the CGIU for assisting CARICOM member states in the investigation of the perpetrators and co-conspirators of US-sourced weapons being illegally trafficked into the region.
“Given our shared concerns, and our common goal for a safer, and more secure hemisphere, I look forward to the updates on the good work that has begun, and relevant perspectives on what can be done to strengthen and enhance the CGIU,” he said.
United States Assistant Secretary, US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Ambassador Todd D. Robinson, in echoing Hinds’ sentiments, said Washington and Caribbean partners share a common goal of addressing the high rates of crime and violence which are fueled by illicit firearms trafficking
He said the US is prioritising investigations and prosecutions of firearms traffickers, who actively endanger communities in both the US and the Caribbean, adding that “the INL intends to continue to support the CGIU, which has had a great impact on real time information sharing”.
The US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Candace Bond said illicit firearms trafficking remains a critical threat to the peace and stability of the Caribbean because it fuels violence and empowers criminal organisations, which undermines collective efforts to promote safety and security for all.
To support the CGIU and its work in countering firearms and narcotics trafficking, Ambassador Bond announced that the US was donating a 75-inch interactive smartboard, 14 Samsung 27-inch monitors, and a four-year old Belgian Malinois sniffer dog, trained to detect narcotics, firearms, and ammunition
“The US recognises and supports the efforts of the CGIU, which is a practical tool in our shared battle against gun-related crimes and is also a model of regional cooperation,” she said.
The Associate Deputy Attorney General of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and US Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions, Michael P. Ben’Ary, told the meeting that the DoJ was looking forward to strengthening its collaboration with Caribbean law enforcement partners, especially the CGIU.
“Partnerships and putting firearms tracing results to full use, in my estimation, are the key to detecting, disrupting and dismantling the firearms traffickers responsible for so much violence and criminal behaviour affecting our nation of the US and also our partner nations here in the Caribbean region,” he said.
The CARICOM IMPACS Executive Director, Lt. Col. Michael Jones, in giving an insight into the genesis of the CGIU, said it was established in partnership with United States’ INL as an innovative resource for the region, to merge and fuse firearms data and information and provide actionable intelligence and insights with a view to improving investigations and increasing successful prosecutions.
“In less than one year since its establishment, we are already seeing the benefits of the Unit which is stationed at CARICOM IMPACS’ headquarters. To date, the CGIU has received information and intelligence on firearms seizures and recoveries from 15 CARICOM Member States and has launched at least 34 investigations.”
Jones said the collaborative effort of the CGIU, which is staffed by seconded and vetted officers from CARICOM members states , have been working alongside several US agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
During the meeting, the representatives of the CGIU delivered a presentation on its achievements to date, its efforts in Operation Hammerhead as well as other regional investigations and prosecutions
The statement said that the meeting was also attended virtually by representatives from the BIS and ATF together with CARICOM Commissioners of Police representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
CMC//fg/ir/2024
