CARICOM concerns for surge in crime cases, planning to implement strategy

Caribbean: CARICOM expressed concern over a surge in crime across the Caribbean and expressed its commitment to protect the citizens, ensuring their safety and security by preventing people from indulging in crime and violence.

Recently, CARICOM Heads of Government shed light on the increase in the levels of crime and violence in the region. They stated that crime has been fuelled by the firearms and ammunition trafficking, transnational criminal networks, and a deterioration of social structures.

Along with that, they also emphasised the increasing and devastating impact of crime and violence on young people and children and reiterated their commitment to take preventive action in order to protect the citizens of the region and ensure their safety and security.

The authorities also aim to preserve public interest in dealing with crime and violence, through the sharing of information and the strengthening of legislation in respect of firearms offences, violent, crime and bail.

CARICOM also recognized the value of restorative justice, social and cultural interventions and intolerance of corruption, in achieving long- term social change. Therefore, they assured their commitment towards strengthening and increased use of existing regional mechanisms and institutions with a vision to address crime and security.

The authorities also aimed to make use of CARICOM IMPACS Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre and the urgent exploration of new approaches with the motive to combat high levels of criminality.

Moreover, CARICOM recognized the significance of the April 2023 Regional Symposium on Crime and Security as a Public Health Issue which was hosted by Trinidad and Tobago. They are also aiming to welcome the offer by Barbados to host a second Symposium before the end of 2024. The authorities noted that such a symposium plays a huge role in inspiring young people toward social change and addressing crime and violence.

They also added that they are making regional and national collaboration in order to address the multifaceted challenges of crime and violence, which can pose threats to modern Caribbean society.

Therefore, CARICOM urged all the citizens to come together and give several solutions to stop crime and violence across Caribbean.