The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Myles Laroda yesterday warned that illegal firearms trafficking remains a major driver of violence in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, as officials began a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions against gun traffickers.

The Firearms Trafficking Sensitisation Workshop, being held at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre, brings together police officers, forensic scientists and members of the legal system for training in firearms identification, serial number restoration, export licence regulations, e-trade and investigative techniques.

The Ministry of National Security is hosting the workshop in collaboration with the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

“Our region continues to record one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and gun violence remains a persistent and painful reality here in The Bahamas, just as it does across the wider Caribbean region,” Mr Laroda said. “That is precisely why this partnership matters.”

He said the training is intended to improve officials’ ability to trace illegal firearms and develop cases capable of succeeding in court.

Mr Laroda also said no Caribbean state could dismantle firearms trafficking networks on its own, underscoring the need for cooperation between regional and international agencies.

United States Ambassador to The Bahamas Herschel Walker said the US remains committed to helping prevent illegal firearms from entering the country.

“The United States has your back,” Mr Walker said.

He said US authorities are pursuing firearms traffickers through prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences, while also working with countries such as The Bahamas to disrupt trafficking networks before weapons reach the streets.

“This, in turn, we keep guns out of the hands of gang members, and those who commit violence against the safety of the communities and the tourists in the Bahamas,” he said.

Tonya Ayow, deputy executive director of IMPACS, said the workshop would also examine gangs and the broader regional structures supporting illegal firearms trafficking.

Ms Ayow said the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit has supported 563 seizure investigations and court recoveries and developed and disseminated more than 36 intelligence packages.

She also stressed that firearms trafficking could not be tackled by individual countries acting alone as transnational criminal networks move rapidly across borders.

The issue of corruption within law enforcement was also raised during yesterday’s opening ceremony.

A reporter cited the case of a former Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine accused of attempting to smuggle nine firearms and 15,000 rounds of ammunition from Florida to The Bahamas. The former marine is scheduled to stand trial in December.

Asked about the risk posed when members of law enforcement become involved in firearms trafficking, Ms Ayow said regional authorities are increasing vetting, polygraph testing and background checks.

“We're working with member states to strengthen the vetting capacity,” she said. “The fact that the person stands before the courts today is a testament of the commitment to eradicate that sort of behaviour from law enforcement.”

The workshop comes as regional authorities continue to focus on improving firearms intelligence, tracing and investigations in response to persistent gun violence across the Caribbean.