Illicit trafficking of firearms a challenge for region

The illicit trafficking of illegal firearms is presenting a significant challenge for the region.

This from Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), Dr. Horace Chang.

Dr. Chang, who is also Jamaica’s National Security Minister, told Thursday’s Committee meeting on Hemispheric Security at the Organization of American States (OAS) the Caribbean accounts for about 23% of all recorded homicides, with an average homicide rate of 15.1 per 100,000 people – nearly three times the world average.

He says greater collaboration is needed to combat the illicit trafficking of firearms.

“This is directly linked to the steps being taken by IMPACS (the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security) to strengthen the capacity of member states in the region to successfully detect and prevent these illegal firearms from entering our shores,” Chang said, adding “the region must continue to commit to regional mechanisms that support firearm ballistics gathering and information sharing”.