Caricom IMPACS to implement unified approach to gun violence

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Crime and Security Implementation Agency (IMPACS) has indicated that it is committed to a unified approach to combating firearms-related crime in the Caribbean.
Speaking at the opening of the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) sensitization and awareness workshop in St. George’s, Grenada on Monday, CARICOM IMPACS Deputy Director of Corporate Services, Earl Harris, said that in an era where transnational crime transcends borders, a collective approach to tackling the problem is more important than ever.

“It is our joint commitment not only to maintain operational support, but also to work closely with our partners to enhance the capabilities and capabilities of Member States’ firearms units in our region,” he explained.
Harris spoke about the CGIU and the progress that has been made since the CGIU became operational in 2023 in integrating firearms data and information, turning this data into actionable intelligence and insights that law enforcement agencies can use to launch investigations.
With support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the CGIU has worked with other agencies, including 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 in firearms investigations. This collaboration has led to enhanced coordination on several cases, resulting in formal investigations being initiated in the U.S. and in several countries in the region.
Grenada’s Prime Minister, CARICOM Chairman Dickon Mitchell, stressed that countries must work with the CGIU to stem the flow of illicit firearms into the Caribbean. He said: “We cannot just advocate, we must take proactive measures to keep our citizens safe.”
In this regard, Prime Minister Mitchell noted that Grenada recently amended its gun laws.
Chief Official at the U.S. Embassy in Grenada, Frances Herrera, highlighted some of the work the U.S. government is doing to stem the flow of illegal firearms into the Caribbean, saying, “The U.S. government has already invested more than $10 million in security assistance to combat arms trafficking in the Caribbean, further supported by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). This continued effort underscores our commitment to addressing this critical issue.”
Herrera revealed that the partnership with IMPACS at the CGIU reflects the U.S.’s shared recognition of the impact of crime and violence on communities in the region, adding: “By improving citizen safety and removing guns from the streets, we aim to meet the fundamental need for safety among our citizens and residents. This initiative represents the U.S. commitment to working with Grenada and our regional partners to reduce the movement of firearms in our region. We have already seen successes, with numerous cases (being) investigated since the CGIU’s inception.”
She echoed Harris’ sentiments and reiterated that future success depends on genuine partnership and cooperation among all stakeholders, with the effectiveness of the CGIU dependent on the continued engagement and active participation of all Member States.
This, the third awareness-raising session conducted by the CGIU, follows those conducted in St. Kitts and Nevis and Barbados. It was held from August 26 to 28, 2024 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium and was attended by government officials, law enforcement, forensic scientists and Grenada customs officers.