The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) is committed to adopting a unified approach in combatting firearms-related crimes in the Caribbean Region.

Speaking at the opening of the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit’s (CGIU) sensitisation and awareness workshop in St. George’s, Grenada on 26 August 2024, Mr. Earl Harris, Assistant Director – Corporate Services, CARICOM IMPACS, said that in an era where transnational crime transcends borders, a collective approach to the problem was more crucial than ever.

“It is our shared commitment to not only maintain operational support but also to collaborate closely with our partners to enhance the capabilities and capacities of the Member States’ Firearms Units within our region,” he added.

Mr. Harris spoke about the CGIU and the advancements that have been made since its operationalisation in 2023, in the integration of firearms data and information, transforming them into actionable intelligence and insights that can be used by law enforcement to initiate investigations.

The CGIU, with the support of the United States (US) Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has been working collaboratively with other agencies such as 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) to support Member States with firearms-related investigations. This collaboration has led to enhanced coordination on several cases, resulting in formal investigations being launched in the US and within several countries in the region.

The Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and CARICOM Chairman, stressed that it was imperative for countries to cooperate with the CGIU to curb the flow of illegal firearms in the Caribbean. He continued: “We cannot only advocate, but we must take proactive measures to keep our citizens safe.” In this regard, Mr. Mitchell noted that Grenada recently amended its Firearms Act to provide for stiffer penalties across the entire spectrum of firearms-related crimes including, but not limited to, importation, sale and distribution.

Ms. Frances Herrera, Principal Officer, US Embassy Grenada, highlighted some of the work being done by the US Government to stem the flow of illicit firearms in the Caribbean. “The US Government has already invested over US$10 million in security assistance to combat firearms trafficking in the Caribbean, supported further by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). This ongoing effort underscores our commitment to addressing this critical issue,” she stated.

Ms. Herrera added that the partnership with IMPACS on the CGIU reflects the US’ shared recognition of the impact of crime and violence on communities in the region. “By improving citizen security and removing guns from the streets, we aim to fulfill the fundamental need for safety among our citizens and residents. This initiative represents the commitment of the US to work alongside Grenada and our regional partners to reduce the movement of firearms in our region. We have already seen successes with numerous cases investigated since the CGIU's inception,” she said.

She also echoed Mr. Harris’ sentiments and reiterated that future success relies on genuine partnership and collaboration among all stakeholders, with the effectiveness of the CGIU being dependent on the continued engagement and active participation of all Member States.

This is the third sensitisation session being conducted by the CGIU and follows St. Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados. It was held from 26 – 28 August 2024, at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium and attended by government officials, law enforcement officers, forensic scientists and customs officials from Grenada.