Sir Ronald Sanders has raised concerns about the rising gun violence in the Caribbean. The surge, involving youth and gangs, has now reached Antigua and Barbuda. Recently, gun crimes in the country have spiked.
Antigua’s Tradition of Safety Shattered
Notably, Antigua, once known for a low homicide rate, now faces more broad daylight robberies and an increase in killings. Sir Ronald sees this troubling trend as part of a larger regional problem. For instance, Haiti suffers the most, with gangs controlling large areas despite UN-approved Kenyan military force.
Alarming Murder Rates Across CARICOM
Additionally, Sir Ronald cited 2022 data from CARICOM countries. Jamaica had the highest murder rate at 53.4 per 100,000 people. Antigua and Barbuda recorded 10.67 murders per 100,00 people. St. Lucia had a rate of 36.7 per 100,000 people. These figures, he believes, have likely risen.
Illegal Gun Trafficking Fuels Violence
Illegal gun trafficking, mainly from the U.S., fuels this violence. Despite U.S. efforts, the flow of illegal firearms continues. Sir Ronald urged CARICOM nations to work together to intercept illegal shipments and patrol their waters.
Criminal Networks Exploit Regional Integration
He also warned that the Caribbean’s location makes it vulnerable to trafficking. Criminals exploit regional integration to expand their networks. Meanwhile, law enforcement struggles to keep up, despite efforts from CARICOM agencies like IMPACS and the RSS. Sir Ronald highlighted reports showing regional gangs growing ties to international crime networks. He also mentioned Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s concerns about repeat offenders in Antigua. Browne’s government, while supporting liberal immigration, has zero tolerance for criminals. Offenders, regardless of nationality, will face deportation after serving prison sentences.
Global Cooperation Needed to Combat Gun Trafficking
Sir Ronald also called for stronger international cooperation, especially with the U.S. He stressed that addressing gun trafficking requires global collaboration.
Urgent Action to Protect Tourism and Livelihoods
An OAS President in December 2023, Sir Ronald introduced a resolution on “Guns, Gangs, and Violence.” He emphasized that national action is urgently needed. Prime Minister Browne’s efforts in Antigua, he said, are a positive example. Finally, Sir Ronald warned that rising crime threatens tourism, a vital industry in the Caribbean. Unsafe conditions could damage economies and livelihoods. He urged policies that create jobs for young people to steer them away from crime.
Call for United Action Across the Caribbean
In conclusion, Sir Ronald called for united action across the Caribbean. He emphasized that dismantling organized crime requires cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society.
Source: The Tribune
Featured Image Credit: Antillean Media Group, antillean.org
In-article Photo Credit: MagneticMediaTV.com
