BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged Caribbean nations to combat organized crime on a regional level and promised UN assistance in the fight. In a message to the Heads of government of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis for their 32nd regular meeting, Ban said a “challenge for Caribbean countries is the growing threat posed by organized transnational crime and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.” “We must consider this challenge in a regional context, as well as through the prisms of development, human rights, rule of law and security reform,” he said. “The United Nations system stands ready to work with you on these issues.” Ban said the region was vital to the work of the United Nations. “It is strongly committed to multilateralism and regional integration, and remains at the forefront in tackling global challenges – from climate change to strengthening democracy to rebuilding after natural disasters,” he said. “Climate change is yet another urgent and growing threat to development, economic growth, public health and our very security. You have been pioneers in calling attention to the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).” “Please rest assured that you can count on me to continue the promotion of our common objectives for development, security and human rights for all,” the UN boss added.
The CARICOM Heads will focus on health at their summit in St. Kitts. The UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) will be high on their agenda as they fine-tune preparations for that meeting set for New York in September. (CMC)
