“We declare a ‘War on Guns’ to combat the illegal trade which provides the weapons that contribute significantly to crime and violence.”
Declaration made by Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, 18 April at the Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence.
During the two day symposium CARICOM heads lamemt that the use of illegal guns within the region cause death, disabilities and comprome the safety of citizens.
The statement also called on the United States to join the Caribbean and take action to stop the illegal exportation of firearms and ammunition into the Caribbean.
“We lament the disproportionate share of our national budgets that we are compelled to allocate to measures to address crime, violence and national security as well as mental health and other health-related challenges, that directly result from the illegal exportation of guns to our region.”
Members also said they are committed to utilize all human, financial and other resources to rid the region of the scourge of illicit weapons.
“We reiterate that the Caribbean must be a Zone of Peace, which will allow us to achieve our goal of a secure, stable and prosperous Community for all our citizens.”
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