Authorities in the Caribbean are facing a significant challenge as illegal firearms continue to fuel a surge of violence across the region. The flow of illicit guns, primarily smuggled in from the U.S., has been blamed for a rise in killings in several Caribbean islands, including Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
According to U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, Caribbean nations account for half of the world's top 10 highest national murder rates. A recent letter from New York's attorney general highlighted that 90% of weapons used in the Caribbean were purchased in the U.S. and smuggled into the region.
To address this issue, the U.S. government appointed its first coordinator for Caribbean firearms prosecutions in mid-2023. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been actively tracing firearms seized in the Caribbean to identify sources and disrupt smuggling networks.
Despite these efforts, smugglers have been adept at evading detection by disassembling firearms and concealing their parts in sea-bound containers. The proliferation of privately made firearms, including those produced using 3D printers, has further complicated the situation.
Gangs operating across the region have become more brazen, using higher caliber weapons and targeting civilians in addition to engaging in gang-on-gang violence. The rise in violence has led to tragic incidents, including the shooting of innocent bystanders, such as a 4-year-old boy in Trinidad and a man holding his 8-month-old baby in the Bahamas.
Caribbean nations are grappling with the impact of these escalating violence levels, with Jamaica reporting a high homicide rate and Trinidad and Tobago experiencing a significant increase in killings. Governments in the region are exploring legislative measures to address the issue, with calls for stricter gun control laws and initiatives to combat gang-related activities.
Efforts to curb the flow of illegal firearms into the Caribbean remain a top priority for law enforcement agencies, with a focus on collaboration between regional authorities and international partners to tackle this pressing security challenge.
