This country’s relationship with the United States has been tightened, with news that the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will be supporting T&T’s national security agencies in initiatives and activities to stem the trafficking of illicit guns and firearms.
This follows a meeting on Friday between the National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and officials from the US ATF, which included Chief of the ATF International Affairs Division (IAD) Joshua Rusk; Deputy Chief of the ATF IAD Jason Tortorici and ATF Agent Michael Graham, who will be posted to T&T.
The ministry stated that this meeting presented an opportunity for Hinds to discuss prospects to further bilateral security collaboration between both governments in significant areas of mutual interest.
The ATF team stated that their main objective will be to support the agencies of the Ministry of National Security in efforts against the illicit trafficking in firearms, through the provision of operational support, knowledge and information sharing, as well as capacity-building initiatives.
Hinds welcomed the ATF team to T&T and committed support for the ATF initiatives and activities that will be carried out locally to stem the trafficking of illicit guns and firearms.
Hinds also thanked the ATF for the technical support committed, indicating that he looked forward to a fruitful collaboration between the organisation and T&T’s law enforcement agencies.
ATF officials told Hinds the bureau will also support the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), as it strengthens capacity and policies to counter the illicit trafficking in firearms in the Caribbean Basin.
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