CARICOM Heads, who convened in Grenada for their 47th Regular Meeting, yesterday expressed deep concern over crime and violence in the region.
In a statement at the end of the July 28-30 meeting, the Heads said: “We, CARICOM Heads of Government are deeply concerned by the levels of crime and violence in the Region, fueled in part, by firearms and ammunition trafficking, transnational criminal networks, and a deterioration of social structures. We are also particularly concerned about the impact of crime and violence on young people and children”.
The Heads reiterated their commitment to ongoing urgent action to protect citizens and to the safety, security and preservation of public interest in dealing with crime and violence, including through the sharing of information and the strengthening of legislation on firearms offences, violent crime and bail. They also recognized the value of restorative justice, social and cultural interventions and intolerance of corruption, in achieving long-term change.