Crime / Crime Prevention – CARICOM https://caricom.org Caribbean Community Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:39:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.6 CARICOM Secretariat, IMPACS webinar focuses on ‘Youth as Agents for Change in Crime Prevention’ https://caricom.org/caricom-secretariat-impacs-webinar-focuses-on-youth-as-agents-for-change-in-crime-prevention/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:08:20 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=47286 ‘Youth as Agents for Change in Crime Prevention’ will be the focus of a webinar that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) will host on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.

The webinar is being held to mark International Youth Day, which was observed on 12 August under the theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’.

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CARICOM Chair Calls for Regional Unity to Disrupt Criminal Networks https://caricom.org/caricom-chair-calls-for-regional-unity-to-disrupt-criminal-networks/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:42:22 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46938

“I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror.”

Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP
Chair, CARICOM
Prime Minister, Jamaica

CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to tackle the Region’s crime and security challenge with the adoption of the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Gangs, underscoring leaders’ united stance against criminal networks.

This was highlighted by Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, CARICOM Chair and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, during the closing media conference for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, which was held from 6-8 July in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  

“A secure CARICOM is a viable CARICOM,” stated the CARICOM Chairman, “And as such, security remains high on the agenda for the duration of my chairmanship and beyond.”

Prime Minister Holness shared that leaders also held talks with the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Valdecy Urquiza, who “committed to strengthening cooperation and expanding access to its global resources.”

In the Declaration, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Region’s efforts against organised crime by tracking emerging trends in illicit firearms trafficking, introducing strong legislation with tougher penalties for firearm and gang-related offences and enhancing public awareness to support prevention and prosecution initiatives.

Firm stance

During his keynote address at the Meeting’s opening ceremony on Sunday, the Prime Minister underscored that CARICOM nations must take a firm stance on organised criminal gangs, reiterating his position that gang violence must be regarded as acts of terrorism.

He stated that gang networks have grown well beyond typical street-level crime and now pose a serious threat to regional security and emphasised that addressing this issue requires the same level of urgency and coordinated action as the global fight against terrorism.

“I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror,” the CARICOM Chairman stated.

Dr Holness underscored the urgent need for Member States to collaborate in dismantling the resources that fuel criminal organisations, particularly their access to financial systems.

Referencing a July 2024 United Nations report, Dr. Holness noted findings on the influence of gang activity in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. The report also highlighted a correlation between escalating drug production in South America, widespread firearm availability, and rising homicide rates.

Dr Holness further stated that the deteriorating security situation in Haiti serves as a stark warning and a call to immediate, coordinated regional action.

“It is the organisation of violence for profit. It is not merely street-level, dispossessed, socially excluded youngsters. There is a level of intelligence, a level of resources, a level of organisation that has been brought to crime and violence, which is being used for profit, stated the Prime Minister.

Adding, “My own view is that policy and jurisprudence need to evolve to address this matter.”

The Prime Minister underscored the immense scale and complexity of crime affecting the Region, cautioning that it cannot be resolved overnight or through short-term efforts.

He emphasised that a durable solution will require robust investment and widespread public engagement across the Community, noting that unified support is essential to effectively confront the threat.

Helpful Links:

UNODC, Caribbean Gangs “Drugs, firearms, and gang networks in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago”, 2024

https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/AOTP/Caribbean_Gangs_Drugs_firearms_and_gang_networks_in_Jamaica_Saint_Lucia_Guyanaand_Trinidad_an_July_2024_Final.pdf

Keynote Address | Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP | Prime Minister of Jamaica | Chairman of CARICOM | 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government| 6 July 2025

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Keynote Address | Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP | Prime Minister of Jamaica | Chairman of CARICOM | 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government| 6 July 2025 https://caricom.org/keynote-address-dr-the-most-honourable-andrew-holness-on-pc-mp-prime-minister-of-jamaica-chairman-of-caricom-49th-regular-meeting-of-the-conference-of-caricom-heads-of-government-6-july-20/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:34:27 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46781 Thank you, colleagues.

Let me acknowledge Senator Janice Allen, representing the Leader of the Opposition,

Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General,

Chief Ministers and Ministers of Government,

Members of the Judiciary,

The newly installed president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Representatives of regional and international organizations,

Distinguished delegates,

Specially invited guests,

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Jamaica!

We are delighted that you have joined us on my assumption of the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the remainder of 2025. I thank my colleague and friend, the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, for ably steering us through the first six months of the year, and she has done so with the fervor, determination, and eloquence for which she is well known and admired.

I want to thank you, Mia, because we started out at the same time. I was a bit worried when you said, ‘young and romantic then,’ and you caught up to say, ‘still young and romantic now,’ so we are still in the same category, but I also thought that you would’ve used another one of Jimmy Cliff’s great songs. Yes, we all can see clearly after the event, after the challenge, and after we have exercised our duties. We all should be aspirational, and we all should hope for the best, and we all should persevere.

Yes, we can get it if we really want it, but upon assuming this role, I’m also cognizant, Mia, as your presentation would’ve alerted us to, there are still many rivers to cross. So, my job will be to get us across those rivers safely and get across as many of them as possible. And don’t worry, you are in safe hands.

I am especially pleased that so many of my colleagues are here in Montego Bay, some of whom were with me in 2018. I’m looking at one of my political fathers, Ralph Gonsalves, but allow me to take time to congratulate my friend, the Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, whose government was reelected in March.

Though her delegation is not here, I must congratulate the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, newly elected Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. We also acknowledge the return to office of the Honourable David Burt as Premier of Bermuda and the Honourable Charles Washington Misick as Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In her absence, we acknowledge the election of the Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge, Premier of Anguilla, who is the first woman to serve in this distinguished capacity.

We have some special guests with us, His Excellency Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, and we look forward to the fruitful exchanges that we will have with him to further enrich our partnerships at all levels.

I’m also pleased to welcome our special guest, His Excellency Albert Ramdin, a son of CARICOM, and the first from our region to serve as Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, the OAS.

I also wish to acknowledge and once more welcome Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, and her team, with whom I’ll be working even more closely since assuming the chair of the Community. Thank you, Secretary-General, and your team, for your usual support.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our theme, “People, Partnership, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future, captures the essence of our regional purpose. It reflects a profound truth that security and resilience are not optional. They are foundations for prosperity. People-centred development and strategic partnerships are not merely aspirational; they are essential.

As small states, we are vulnerable not just to global economic shocks and natural hazards, but to being marginalized in a world where power and influence often outweigh genuine need. And that is why we must think strategically, act collaboratively, and remain focused on the values and interests that unite us.

Prime Minister Mottley expressed, as I’ve said quite eloquently, many of the threats that we face, which, as small countries, we grapple with. Oftentimes as leaders, as we contemplate these challenges and we look at our size relative to the rest of the world, it can be daunting. Sometimes we may have the expectation that exceptions will be made for us and that our case will be treated with deference and deferential favour. But I think that as we enter into the new order that seems to be emerging in the world, we must be strategic. We must strengthen our institutions. We must take responsibility for our own destiny because that is the only way we’re going to really get it if we really want it.

It means we must focus on people because human development must be the center of the integration mission. It must be the center of the development mission, ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection, and, importantly, opportunities for our youth, who make up 60% of our population. We must focus on people.

We must also focus on partnerships because global progress is built on networks of trust. We need stronger ties within CARICOM and with strategic global partners in Africa, North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East. In the new dispensation, which is emerging, it is clear that the world is not unipolar and that there are opportunities that we must explore. There are gains that we have left on the table unexplored, and as a Community, we must strengthen South-South cooperation. We must strengthen our trade cooperation with Africa, and we must strengthen our internal cooperation. The resources in CARICOM are sufficient for us to provide for the needs of our people. Guyana with energy and land, Suriname with energy and land, Trinidad, and Jamaica with incredible human resources.

What has stopped us for these many years? We have been saying we really want to get it. Did we really want it?

I think that the emerging global situation must now push us to really get it. We can get it because the time to get prosperity for our people is now. But that prosperity must be inclusive. It can’t be for some; it must be for everyone in this region, including our brothers and sisters in Haiti. It must be sustainable, and it must be resilient.

Sustainability and resilience are the two new buzzwords now that every government must focus on, and so it is that the policies that we will pursue in CARICOM, whatever they are, whether they are the institutional structures that we will have to reexamine, the trade policies that we will have to pursue, or the security policies that we will have to pursue, they must be pursued through the lens of sustainability and resilience.

Jamaica will continue to champion initiatives that will make these three pillars—People, Partnerships and Prosperity—not just aspirational, because we have seen leaders come before with these aspirations. We have seen the words expressed before. The problem has always been our ability to be bold enough, strategic enough, systematic enough, and disciplined enough to convert these dreams and aspirations and these words into reality.

 The presence of delegations from 48 countries today is a powerful statement of global confidence in CARICOM and in our shared agenda. We are meeting at a time of intense international activity. In the months ahead, CARICOM will engage the world through the second CARICOM-Africa Summit in Ethiopia and during the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

As small, vulnerable states, the unavoidable reality of the climate crisis stands as a sobering reminder each year, especially during the annual hurricane season. And as we prepare for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, our call is urgent and clear. The promises of the Paris Agreement must be met both in emissions reductions and access to climate finance at the level and scale required. Our discussions tomorrow will give special attention to COP 30 preparations and climate finance, which remain defining issues for our region’s survival and prosperity.

For others, the issue of climate change may be an academic discussion between scientists trying to determine whether the data set is accurate or whether historically climate has changed over time, and therefore, climate change now is nothing new; it is an academic discourse. But last year, just around this time, Jamaica was staring down the earliest-forming and probably the quickest-forming Category 4 hurricane, which devastated a third of our island. So, for us, climate change is not an academic discussion. Climate change is real.

We live it almost every day, and the impact of this must be understood from the fiscal level and the need for financing, but certainly because of our size. A weather event in Texas, and our sympathies and condolences go out to the people of the United States, particularly the people of Texas, who were impacted by the recent weather events, which resulted in flooding. But the impact of this will have no effect on the overall fiscal situation of the United States. A similar weather event in any of our economies would have a devastating effect, and therefore, we must continue to strongly advocate for climate justice and climate financing. You have my assurance that Jamaica will continue to be a strong advocate for climate justice and climate finance.

Friends, there can be no sustained prosperity without security. A July 2024 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime entitled “Caribbean Gangs: Drugs, Firearms, and Gang Networks in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago” points to a worrying combination of risk factors, including surging drug production in South America, the proliferation and competition of transnational and local gangs, and the high availability and use of firearms that have contributed to soaring homicide rates. If the situation in Haiti is an indicator, these are not ordinary times, and they require urgent action. We must dismantle the influence of gangs in our communities, disrupt their financing, and cut off access to weapons.

I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror. Aside from the climate threat, the threat that is most likely to have an existential threat in the near term for many of our states would be the growth of gangs. Many Caribbean states, by virtue of our history and the kind of civilization that we wish to develop, would seem to categorize gangs as a social problem, a problem caused by alienation of youth, poverty, and breakdown in social mores and values, and therefore the policy response should be a social response, one that treats crime and violence as a public health crisis, and this is so. There is no question that it is a social problem why 90% of persons involved in crime are males, and speaking for Jamaica, 90% of victims of homicides are males. So yes, there is that strong social component. But I believe our society and the way in which we think about crime and violence need to evolve to accept and understand the evolved nature of the challenge we face.

And the truth is that what we are now facing is the organization of violence. It is the organization of violence for profit. It is not merely street-level dispossessed or socially excluded youngsters. There is a level of intelligence, a level of resources, and a level of organization that has been brought to crime, and violence is being used to support a profit motive. And my own view is that policy and jurisprudence need to evolve to address this matter. As I said, the situation in Haiti is only an example that we should look at very carefully.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Expo, which you can view just outside this room in a couple of minutes from now, is intended to spotlight our shared commitment to building a safer, more resilient region by exchanging ideas, innovations, and best practices. It is also an opportunity for you to see how the significant investments made by the Government of Jamaica in national security over the past nine years are yielding results in crime reduction and public safety.

I just want to say here that the scale and magnitude of the problem (crime), which is being faced by almost all member countries of CARICOM, cannot be addressed overnight. It took 40 years for the problem to emerge to where it is, and it will not be solved by short-term measures. It will require significant investment, but it will also require unified public support. As we observe the challenges in several of our member states and we see the rising homicide rates, we also see political dissonance, and so it is absolutely important that we come together as a region so that our individual publics can see and appreciate that they are not alone in this problem, that the gangs in Jamaica likely have a connection with gangs in St. Lucia, in Trinidad, in Haiti, or in the Bahamas, and that there needs to be joint, coordinated action from the regional level. And I believe, from what I have seen and experienced in working with my colleagues, that there is a strong appetite for regional cooperation to treat the security matters that are affecting our individual countries. And as chairman, you have my assurance that the matter of security, regionally and in terms of individual countries, will be a matter of great priority under my chairmanship.

The 49th Regular Meeting will also provide another critical platform for dialogue on the situation in Haiti. We remain committed to advancing solutions that promote peace, stability, and development for our sister nation and, by extension, the wider Community. Jamaica was one of the first countries to give a commitment that we would support Haiti with security personnel and to raise the call for support for Haiti. As Mia had pointed out, the appetite to support Haiti seemed to have been lost. The international momentum in support of Haiti seemed to have slowed. We cannot be true to our principles in CARICOM if we do not redouble our efforts in the international community to garner support for the mission in Haiti. We cannot leave our brothers and sisters in Haiti at the mercy of gangs. Haiti and the mobilization of international support for the security efforts in Haiti will be another area of significant effort and priority for CARICOM under my chairmanship.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, while not on the agenda, it is important that we take note of the outcome of last week’s Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), as stated in the Sevilla Commitment. Chief among these are the actions needed to close the $4 trillion SDG financing gap and advance a multilateral ecosystem that is more inclusive, representative, equitable, and effective.

Importantly, the conference secured reaffirmation of the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States and the ABAS agenda. Jamaica will continue to use our co-chairmanship of the UN Secretary-General’s SDGs Stimulus Group and the Group of Friends of SDG Financing at the UN for advocacy to ensure that the commitments made are not mere words on paper but translate into tangible outcomes for the benefit of future generations of the citizens of CARICOM.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, since its inception, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) has been acknowledged as holding seeds of great potential, yet many aspects of operationalization continue to elude us, including that of free movement. As the world presses us to strengthen our collective self-sufficiency, we can feel encouraged that 2025 has already marked a turning point with the completion of the signature by participating member states of the Protocol of Enhanced Cooperation. This development represents a timely and valuable opportunity to accelerate the efforts of countries. I look forward to our discussions in this context.

Jamaica recently became the eighth country to have participated in national consultations on the implementation of CSME initiatives with the active support of the CARICOM Secretariat. These broad-based engagements across the region are designed to deepen stakeholder understanding of the CSME and to showcase the concrete benefits it offers. They represent an important step towards building broader public support and strengthening confidence in the integration process. We commend the secretariat on its selection and appointment of CSME youth ambassadors who will also be engaged in this process.

As CARICOM leads external trade negotiations, I will continue to work with my colleagues to facilitate reasonable and balanced recommendations on how we can best navigate certain dynamics, ensure that our voices are heard in all relevant fora, and ensure that our perspectives advance the objectives of a free, transparent, rules-based, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system. Our heads subcommittee for this area convenes again this week, and we’ll report back to the plenary.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this conference will address a wide range of human and social development issues, telecommunications, transport, industrial growth, and demographic shifts. Alongside these functional priorities, it is clear that key institutional aspects of our regional movement now require renewed focus as we strive to strengthen both internal coordination and external partnerships.

Allow me to say a few words about youth engagement because I am resolute in my belief that young people must have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their future. Youth across the region have thoughts and ideas about what we are trying to put in place for them and future generations. As key drivers and consumers of technological advancement, they hold immense potential to contribute meaningfully to our development goals. It is important that we engage them in a deliberate, sustained, and meaningful way. Let this meeting send a clear signal that we believe in our youth, we include them in the decision-making process for their future, and their inclusion is not just symbolic but real.

And as we’re talking about youth, who are oftentimes the main consumers of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence, I’m very happy that Mia has raised this issue publicly, as we have internally and within our own countries and Cabinets discussed the impact of how our culture, the essence of who we are, is being changed in dramatic ways that are having a significant negative impact on our societies. This is not a call to regulate, to restrict, or to censor, but I believe that if we are not careful, the Caribbean civilization, quoting Mia’s characterization of who we are and what we’re trying to build, could easily evaporate. And so, as we talk about our youth, we must include them in a discussion about how we preserve our culture, our values, our mores, and how we preserve the Caribbean people.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it would be difficult to speak about our priorities as a region without acknowledging the broader global context in which we operate. From the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, to the prolonged war in Ukraine, and underreported conflicts in Africa, each speaks to a more divided and fragile world. These realities affect us through energy prices, food insecurity, migration, and more. In this moment, we must be resolute in preserving CARICOM as a zone of peace and reaffirm our commitments to working with the international community to promote de-escalation, uphold diplomacy, and pursue lasting solutions grounded in dialogue and mutual respect. We have a lot of ground to cover over the next few days. Hopefully, we’ll cross some of the rivers that I have outlined, but certainly we will prepare the next generation to be able to cross those rivers. We will get it because we really want it.

So, as I conclude, I draw inspiration from the words of The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero, who urged us to take advantage of every opportunity and, where there is none, make it ourselves.

And in the spirit of possibility, we are reminded by the great Sir Derek Walcott that there is always more to see. Let us therefore move forward with clarity, with a sense of optimism that yes, we can get it, but also with a deep sense of purpose and understanding of what the realities we face are, with no expectations of favours from the world. We are independent, we are strong, and we have what it takes to fulfil the CARICOM dream of prosperity for all our people. Let us reignite and reaffirm our unity as one Caribbean people with purpose and pride. We will get it because we really want it, and it’s now clearer for us to cross all the rivers that are there.

God bless you and thank you.

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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness assumes chairmanship of CARICOM https://caricom.org/prime-minister-dr-andrew-holness-assumes-chairmanship-of-caricom/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:01:19 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46558 Effective today, 1 July 2025, Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

As we prepare for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, Prime Minister Holness has shared a message outlining his vision and priorities for the Community.

Please click below to view his message.

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July Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government to focus on security, food systems, climate change, geopolitics – CARICOM SG https://caricom.org/july-meeting-of-caricom-heads-of-government-to-focus-on-security-food-systems-climate-change-geopolitics-caricom-sg/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:35:53 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46165 The upcoming Forty-Ninth Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government will place emphasis on improving regional security, enhancing food and nutrition security and combatting climate change, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, said.

The Meeting convenes 6-8 July, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, as the Chair. Prime Minister Holness assumes the six-month rotating Chairmanship of the Community on 1 July 2025.

Discussions will be held under the theme: ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’, which Secretary-General Barnett said reflects CARICOM’s strategic focus on working collaboratively to ensure that “future generations of our Region will be resilient, and safe, and will thrive.”

In a video message ahead of the Meeting, the Secretary-General said the Heads of Government will also focus on emerging geopolitical issues, including the impact of US tariffs on the Region, and how the provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) can contribute to national and regional growth and sustainable development.

“Our expectation is that this Meeting of the Conference will engender those discussions and decisions that will lead to meaningful outcomes for the Caribbean Community,” she said in the message.

Listen to the message below:

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“Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim” – CARICOM Secretary-General https://caricom.org/reparations-for-haiti-continue-to-be-central-to-caricoms-reparations-claim-caricom-secretary-general/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:40:02 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44825

“Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim.  April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France as reparations for loss of property, including enslaved Africans, and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence. The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today. This Anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention and a deeper understanding of the situation in Haiti and serves as a call to action to address the ongoing security, humanitarian and governance crises in the country.”

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, delivered remarks at the Opening High-Level Segment of the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Please read her remarks below:

  • Distinguished Guests;
  • Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am pleased to join this gathering of delegates to the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and to bring warm greetings on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). 

I extend my commendations to Dr. June Soomer, a distinguished daughter of the Caribbean, for her stewardship of this important body and achievements over the past year. I also congratulate Ambassador Martin Kimani on his upcoming appointment as Chairperson of the Forum and wish him much success during his tenure.

This Fourth Session, convened under the theme “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of Artificial Intelligence”, coincides with the commencement of the United Nations Second Decade for People of African Descent.

The Permanent Forum has established itself as an important consultative body with a vital role to play in championing economic, social, digital and, especially important, reparatory justice for Africans and African-descended people globally. Given the insightful conclusions and recommendations from the previous Sessions, and the transformative agenda which it has been promoting within the framework of the United Nations, we support the call for greater resources for the Permanent Forum to continue to effectively address its important agenda.

Systemic inequality, racial discrimination, and reparatory justice for the global African community continue to be priority areas to be addressed during the Second Decade.

This Second International Decade for People of African Descent provides renewed impetus to advance CARICOM’s own reparations agenda for repair, justice, and the development of people of African descent, as well as the Indigenous people. It is an opportunity to confront the consequences of European colonisation and enslavement, and to call attention to the enduring legacies of these historical injustices.

Of importance also is that the African Union (AU) is observing 2025 as the year for “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”.

Distinguished guests, at their Meeting in July 2024, CARICOM Heads of Government expressed full support for increased participation and collaboration by the Region in the meetings and work of this Permanent Forum. The CARICOM Reparations Commission, in particular, stands ready to collaborate with the Permanent Forum to advance material improvements for people of African descent as outcomes of the Second International Decade, and especially for women, children and youth.

As the partnership between the Caribbean Community and the African Union continues to grow, the demand for justice and development is a common call. We in CARICOM are pleased that this partnership is being strengthened, with milestone collaborations through the First Africa-CARICOM Summit of Heads of Government held in September 2021; the high level AU Study Tour to Barbados, in August 2023, which focused on developing stronger CARICOM-AU cooperation on reparations and racial healing; and the participation of government and civil society representatives from our Region in the Accra Reparations Conference hosted by the Republic of Ghana in November 2023.

CARICOM looks forward to the Second CARICOM-AU Summit to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 7 September 2025, and other strategic engagements to advance our shared agenda.

The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and Chair of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, was invited to address the AU Assembly in February this year, where she reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to a strong partnership with Africa towards a shared prosperous future.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim.  April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France, as reparations for loss of property, including enslaved Africans, and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence. The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today, and as such, I commend the Forum for putting the spotlight on Haiti in your Closing Session. This Anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention and a deeper understanding of the situation in Haiti, and serves as a call to action to address the ongoing security, humanitarian and governance crises in the country. 

The themes of reparatory justice and economic justice have been consistent on the agenda of the Permanent Forum, as is appropriate. For this Fourth Session, digital justice is also being highlighted. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to develop exponentially, Africans and people of African descent, are at risk of being further left behind. Inequitable access to AI tools and training further widens the digital divide, disadvantaging and leaving people of African heritage, and their businesses ill-equipped to effectively compete in a rapidly evolving global economy in which AI is increasingly a critical factor.

To navigate these vulnerabilities, it is important for the Permanent Forum to advocate for inclusive policy frameworks and initiatives, investments in digital literacy, science and technology, and innovation. If we are to thrive in this era, we must prioritise education and innovation, and advocate for inclusive governance frameworks.

Africa has long been a wellspring of knowledge and innovation in mathematics, engineering, astronomy, agriculture, traditional healing and philosophy.  This legacy must now be reclaimed and recognised in development and management, including regulation of Artificial Intelligence. We must also stand against the use of AI, through its applications and algorithms, to perpetuate racial discrimination.

Esteemed guests, this Fourth Session is an opportunity for us to pool our collective knowledge and expertise, and strengthen our commitment to improve the lives of Africans and people of African descent all over the world. I encourage everyone to continue to work together to eradicate deeply embedded structures of racism and inequality, and build inclusive societies where the human rights of all people, including African people, are respected. I wish the Permanent Forum continued success and fruitful deliberations.

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

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CARICOM and UN advance plans for youth involvement in Peace and Security solutions https://caricom.org/caricom-and-un-advance-plans-for-youth-involvement-in-peace-and-security-solutions/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:49:20 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44614

“Sometimes we focus on the challenges, but our conversation today was more about the opportunities for meaningful engagement with young people. We spoke about mental health and well-being and the experience of CARICOM with the strong leadership of our young people to find solutions.” – Dr Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs

Dr Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, says CARICOM and the UN are working on strengthening collaboration on meaningful youth participation in decision-making and building trust for youth to engage in institutional spaces.

Dr Paullier met with CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General Ms Elizabeth Solomon on Tuesday, 25 March, at the CARICOM Secretariat to discuss areas for collaboration in youth development.

“Sometimes we focus on the challenges, but our conversation today was more about the opportunities for meaningful engagement with young people. We spoke about mental health and well-being and the experience of CARICOM with the strong leadership of our young people to find solutions,” stated Dr Paullier.

He provides further insight into the collaboration in the video below.

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“CARICOM Heads actively concerned about the impact of crime on Region’s social development” – Advisor, Social Development, CARICOM Secretariat https://caricom.org/caricom-heads-actively-concerned-about-the-impact-of-crime-on-regions-social-development-advisor-social-development-caricom-secretariat/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:53:09 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44225

CARICOM Heads of Government continue to be actively concerned about the implications of crime and violence on the social development of the Region. To date, two symposiums on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue have been convened, keeping at the forefront of the deliberations the importance of balancing the rights of the individual and the public safety interests of the whole of society.

Beverly Harry-Emmanuel, Advisor, Social Development, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat

Advisor for Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Ms Beverly Harry-Emmanuel, says CARICOM Heads of Government continue to be actively concerned about the implications of crime and violence for the Region’s social development.

Delivering remarks at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security’s (CARICOM IMPACS) Observance of International Women’s Day, she stated:

“To date, two symposiums on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue have been convened, keeping at the forefront of the deliberations the importance of balancing the rights of the individual and the public safety interests of the whole of society. A significant outcome of these symposia was the agreement to “strengthen the development of security as a fourth pillar of the Community, so that collectively we can better address the extra-territorial threats to citizen security; including strengthening the capacity of the Community’s Security and Justice agencies to adopt and implement a public health approach.” This declaration is a clear signal of how CARICOM views its role in protecting human rights, democracy, peace and security in our Region.”

Additionally, she highlighted that the CARICOM Secretariat continues to work with Member States to adopt the Regional Common Standards for Police and Justice Agencies to mitigate Violence against Women and Girls and Family Violence. She explained that the adoption of the Standards will strengthen systems to hold perpetrators accountable for violence while ensuring victim safety and strengthening societal messaging that gender-based and family violence are unacceptable in any measure or circumstance.

Please read her complete remarks below:

REMARKS FROM

BEVERLY HARRY-EMMANUEL

ADVISOR, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) SECRETARIAT

OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

12 JANUARY 2025

Ladies and gentlemen

I welcome this opportunity to address you this morning.  On behalf of all of us at the CARICOM Secretariat, I applaud CARICOM IMPACS, under the astute leadership of Colonel Michael Jones, for hosting this event to mark International Women’s Day 2025, which was observed on Friday, 7 March.  The Secretariat is pleased to be associated with this event. Allow me to share some thoughts for consideration during the discussions to follow around our theme, “Strength and Resilience of Women on the Frontline.

As we join the international community in observing this important occasion, we must acknowledge that we have made noteworthy strides forward in achieving gender equality.  Globally, there have been significant legal reforms to advance gender equality and to address violence against women and girls. Regionally, our legislatures reflect increasing representation by women.  However, women still have only 64% of the legal rights of men (UN Women, 2024).

According to UN Women, in 2024, 44% of countries showed improvements in the quality of education, training, and lifelong learning among women and girls.  Girls surpass boys in upper-secondary completion rates in most regions, including ours. A question for exploration is whether there is correlation among the higher levels of educational achievements of women and girls, social cohesion and increasing incidences of crime and violence which disproportionally threaten the right to life, liberty and security of women and girls.

CARICOM Heads of Government continue to be actively concerned about the implications of crime and violence on the social development of the Region. To date, two symposiums on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue have been convened, keeping at the forefront of the deliberations the importance of balancing the rights of the individual and the public safety interests of the whole of society.

A significant outcome of these symposia was the agreement to “strengthen the development of security as a fourth pillar of the Community, so that collectively we can better address the extra-territorial threats to citizen security; including strengthening the capacity of the Community’s Security and Justice agencies to adopt and implement a public health approach.” This declaration is a clear signal of how CARICOM views its role in protecting human rights, democracy, peace and security in our Region.  Through its Directorate of Human and Social Development, the Secretariat is already deploying resources to enhance citizens’ security.

Additionally, forms of violence such as the trafficking of persons, sexual exploitation, and the use of electronic media, particularly online platforms, have far-reaching social, economic and developmental consequences for individuals and society.

The statistics suggest that, as a group, women and girls are disproportionally affected. Moreover, National Prevalence Surveys on Gender Based Violence confirm that nearly 1 out of 2 of ever-partnered women aged 15-64 have experienced one or more of the four types of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime (physical, sexual, psychological and/or economic). This reality presents a major impediment to the security and integrity of the women of the region. There is room for much more to be done in the areas of legal protection and enforcement and for individual and collective ownership of the responsibility to act to reverse these trends.

The CARICOM Secretariat continues to work with Member States to adopt the Regional Common Standards for Police and Justice Agencies to mitigate Violence against Women and Girls and Family Violence. Adoption will strengthen systems to hold perpetrators accountable for violence while ensuring victim safety and strengthening societal messaging that gender-based and family violence are unacceptable in any measure or circumstance.

Please permit me to turn our attention to the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda established under the United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 1325, which provides a critical framework for embedding gender perspectives into peace and security efforts. This Agenda emphasises the importance of full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding processes. The integration of gender considerations into security policies and initiatives enables Caribbean nations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of their peace and development efforts, support inter-agency collaboration and address the impact of violence including those associated with transnational organised crime.

Moreover, the Women Peace and Security Agenda recognises that the effects of climate change in the region bear significant financial, infrastructural and social implications, especially with regard to gender inequalities as the impacts of natural disasters often amplify pre-existing vulnerabilities with the potential to push women and marginalised groups even further into the margins through increased incidents of intimate partner violence, heightened economic insecurity, and heavier work burdens to ensure survival.

Gentlemen in the audience, allow me a minute to specifically address the women present and all those who would hear this message. Sisters, we know that we are resourceful and that we have the capability to instigate, lead, achieve and sustain the changes that are required to drive the development of women and our region. This capacity is almost instinctual. We do it every day on behalf of our families and ourselves. 

The Community is currently crafting a Gender Development Policy. Seize this opportunity in whatever capacity, whether civil society, government, expert or citizen -Caribbean Woman to be advocates and key actors in the process, to ensure that an environment emerges that supports full and sustainable participation of women and girls in the development of our Region.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this opportunity to participate in today’s discussions.

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“Gang violence should be regarded as acts of terrorism and a threat to democracy in the Region” – PM Holness https://caricom.org/gang-violence-should-be-regarded-as-acts-of-terrorism-and-a-threat-to-democracy-in-the-region-pm-holness/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:38:24 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=44003

“We must take a very strong approach to it from a legislative perspective to create the laws that will enable us to have surveillance to detain them – of course, within the accepted rules of human rights and the treatment of citizens – but certainly, there needs to be what we call in Jamaica enhanced measures to treat with this new and emerging threat to our democracy.”

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries must adopt a strong stance on incidents of gang violence, stating that they “must now be regarded as acts of terrorism”.

The Prime Minister, speaking at the closing press conference following the three-day 48th Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Leaders in Barbados, said that “enhanced measures” are needed to tackle gang violence as an emerging threat to democracy in the Region.

“I think the Region should begin to consider carefully that the level of criminal enterprise that exists is at some times over and beyond the capacity of regular law enforcement and regular legislative tools that are available to treat with ordinary criminality,” stated Prime Minister Holness. He added, “The use of violence in a criminal pursuit and then the spread of fear, sometimes deliberate, that comes from that, to weaken States, to undermine institutions, to corrupt public officials, to make the state incapable of addressing the issue, should not be treated as ordinary criminality.”

He referred to Haiti as the obvious example. He cited incidents of extreme gang violence emerging in other CARICOM territories “with gangs that are arming themselves deliberately, stockpiling weapons, seeking, as I’ve said before, to capture communities and corrupt public officials, that should not be considered as ordinary criminality.”

Transnational crime

The Prime Minister underscored that violence of this nature is a threat to the State, and Caribbean nations must face that squarely and deal with it accordingly.

“These are acts of terror, and they are oftentimes transnational. The criminals in Trinidad may have links to criminals in Jamaica. Certainly, the criminals in Haiti are transporting guns to Jamaica and possibly likewise. Certainly, criminals in Miami…some of them are our nationals, are illegally trafficking weapons to Kingston, and therefore, the government of Jamaica alone trying to treat with the issue would not be as effective as if we had a global approach, a regional approach, and certainly a CARICOM approach to treating with this issue of criminal enterprise. We call them gangs, but I maintain that that is a euphemism. They are not just socially marginalised youngsters who have been deprived of social and economic opportunities,” asserted the Prime Minister.  

Criminal Enterprise

Prime Minister Holness underscored that some criminal gangs are operating as enterprises or businesses to weaken governments. 

“We must take a very strong approach to it from a legislative perspective to create the laws that will enable us to have surveillance to detain them – of course, within the accepted rules of human rights and the treatment of citizens – but certainly, there needs to be what we call in Jamaica enhanced measures to treat with this new and emerging threat to our democracy,” urged the Prime Minister.

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Appropriate legislation needed to tackle violent crime surge – PM Rowley https://caricom.org/appropriate-legislation-needed-to-tackle-violent-crime-surge-pm-rowley/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:43:15 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=43991

“We also expect that these acts – using the tools of trade of the criminals at large in our communities from The Bahamas to Suriname, Saint Lucia to Trinidad and Tobago – that they be deemed to be acts of terrorism and allow us to view them, not only the executive, but by our judiciary and allow us to fashion the appropriate legislation.”

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr The Hon. Keith Rowley

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr The Hon. Keith Rowley says CARICOM leaders deem the current surge of violent crime affecting Member States as “acts of terrorism.” 

“We also expect that these acts – using the tools of trade of the criminals at large in our communities from The Bahamas to Suriname, Saint Lucia to Trinidad and Tobago – that they be deemed to be acts of terrorism and allow us to view them, not only the executive, but by our judiciary and allow us to fashion the appropriate legislation,” stated Dr Rowley.

Addressing the media following the three-day 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados, Prime Minister Rowley also revealed that leaders will continue to treat violence as a public health issue, noting the impact on communities and the public health system. 

“So we adopted the working definition of crime and violence as a public health issue since the effect on human conditions is such that violent crime – largely carried out by firearms – 80% of the killings that we are experiencing are done by firearms – and 90% of those firearms are coming to us from one particular source. So we agree that this is a public health issue, and of course, we will continue to engage it as such,” said Dr Rowley.

George-Bridge and Needham’s Point Declarations integral to crime fighting

The Prime Minister shared that the George-Bridge and Needham’s Point Declarations are fundamental to the leaders’ holistic approach to tackling crime. He reiterated that the George-Bridge Declaration was approved by leaders at the Second Regional Symposium: Violence as a Public Health Issue — The Crime Challenge in Guyana. He stated that they would continue to support the aims and recommendations of Needham’s Point Declaration.  “These are all positions taken by CARICOM Heads, which should flow into actions through legislative and other arrangements,” emphasised Dr Rowley.

Crime: One of the highest hurdles for CARICOM Leaders to overcome

While providing details of the strategic plan by leaders to tackle crime, Prime Minister Rowley admitted that crime continues to be a significant challenge for the body.

“So basically, these are the foundational things that we are doing at the level of the Heads – acknowledging that one of the highest hurdles that we are required to overcome and to treat with at this time is the high level of violent crime in our societies and the organised commercial arrangements of criminals who terrorise our populations, whether they are large ones or smaller ones in the community,” underscored Dr Rowley.  

However, leaders expect that the agreed decisions would make significant changes to the current state of crime in the Region. 

Dr Rowley added, “So we maintain our high priority on that, and we expect that the changes that we are about to bring about in a number of areas – in a holistic way – would see us getting the upper hand and reversing the trend, which in some instances are in fact threatening the very sovereignty of the States in which we live.”

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