PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), has launched an initiative aimed at reducing the use of guns in the commission of violent crimes across the 15-member regional grouping.
IMPACS has partnered with the Canadian-based non-governmental organization Project Ploughshares, the Institute of International Relations at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and various regional civil society organizations in launching the initiative.
“When a project is focused on the expressed needs of member states it strengthens their commitment, thereby providing a greater likelihood of long term sustainability,” Chairman of the CARICOM Council for National Security and Law enforcement (CONSLE), Dr. Errol L. Cort said, highlighting the project’s precision with which it responds to the critical needs and priorities of CARICOM”.
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister, Brigadier John Sandy described the project as “a meaningful step in the ongoing efforts of the Caribbean Community to control and reduce crime in all its jurisdictions”.
CARICOM officials said that the initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of officials at regional and national levels by providing training, technical assistance, research and a much needed infrastructural upgrade. (CMC)
