Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says the illicit trade in firearms and light weapons, including assault weapons, is a priority threat to citizen security in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and the rest of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“There is a persistent demand in our countries for firearms and their continued use in the commission of crimes, including homicides,” Gonsalves, who is also Minister of National Security, said in a ministerial statement to Parliament on Thursday.
SVG has recorded nine homicides so far this year, including two people killed by police.
This follows a record bloody 2022 in which there were 42 homicides, the bulk of which involved the use of a firearm.
“The demand for firearms remains high in criminal groups and also with the civilian population for personal protection in response to increases in violence in some communities in our country and the rest of the CARICOM jurisdictions,” Gonsalves said.
He said data highlight the continued use of cargo containers to import firearms through various receptacles including barrels, boxes, television sets, and motor vehicles.
“Imported guns and ammunition are often exchanged for narcotics, cocaine, marijuana and assorted synthetic drugs, with some transactions taking place on the seas,” the Prime Minister added.
In December, law enforcement in SVG netted their largest cache of guns and ammunition when Customs officials seized six 9mm pistols, two high-power rifles and 200 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, at the nation’s main port in Kingstown.
One of the firearms has been traced to a crime in the United States, Commissioner of Police Colin John said in January, adding that local law enforcement is “working along with international bodies” as their investigation continues
Gonsalves said: “The extent of this importation of firearms and bullets in CARICOM countries, including our own country, is not known precisely, but the evidence suggests that this invitation is substantial and dangerous.”
He noted that the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), in collaboration with Interpol’s firearms program, hosted the operational hub of Operation Trigger VII for the Caribbean, September 20 to 30 last year.
“Ghost guns, handguns are now being recovered in our regional countries, and a priority of all our countries is to determine if they are imported or 3D printed or created in CARICOM Member States,” he said.
Ghost guns are unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home.
According to the Prime Minister, various informed sources said the number of illegal firearms in Haiti alone is estimated to be between 270,000 and 500,000.
CMC
