United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders this week to continue their work and advocacy against drug and arms trafficking.
Guterres spoke at Wednesday’s opening ceremony of the 48th regular meeting of CARICOM Heads in Barbados.
He declared that drugs and guns are fueling violence across the region.
The UN Chief declared that to fight drug and weapons trafficking, there is a need to address the countries of origin and destination.
“Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle,” Guterres asserted to applause from the gathering.
He said the Caribbean people are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation they still face.
Small arms trafficking and violence in the Caribbean have turned into a public health crisis.
As a result, in April 2023, CARICOM heads declared crime and violence a public health issue.
At a special summit in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss the issue, the leaders expressed alarm over the epidemic of crime and violence in the Caribbean, fueled by illegal guns and organised criminal gangs, declaring the situation a threat to democracy and societal stability.
In this regard, the end-of-summit declaration outlined several steps to address the problem, including a comprehensive overhaul of the criminal justice system.
A second regional crime summit occurred in Guyana last year.
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