There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger people and gangs, which has now spread from other parts of the Caribbean into Antigua and Barbuda. This plague has shattered the country’s tradition of low rates of homicides, with broad daylight robberies and killings increasing.
Antigua’s current wave of violence mirrors a broader trend that has been prevalent in other Caribbean countries for much longer. Haiti, for instance, bears the notorious distinction of being the most affected, with armed gangs controlling large areas of the country despite the presence of a Kenyan military force, invited by the government and approved by the UN Security Council.
The continued illegal trafficking of guns into the Caribbean fuels this violence. The origin of most of these weapons is the United States. Despite undertakings by the current U.S. administration, the flow of illegal arms has not slowed. This issue is tied to the ease with which Americans can purchase weapons, inadequate record-keeping, and the internal politics of the U.S., where the gun lobby—along with many citizens—fiercely advocates the right to bear and purchase arms.
As long as gun purchases remain a domestic political issue in the U.S., the provision of critical information regarding the shipment of guns to the Caribbean will remain sporadic, limited to occasions when U.S. customs officials manage to intercept illegal shipments at their ports. This reality necessitates that CARICOM countries adopt cooperative measures to police their territorial seas collectively, with overlapping jurisdiction to interdict ships carrying illegal weapons. The problem is as regional as it is national, and while countries like Antigua and Barbuda are enhancing their maritime capacity, regional collaboration is essential.
Historically, the Caribbean’s geographic position has made it vulnerable to illicit trafficking routes, and this challenge has evolved as modern criminals exploit regional integration efforts to expand their networks. Organized criminals are taking advantage of economic integration to grow a lucrative network of crime, particularly for gun and drug trafficking, establishing local “branches” across the region. In truth, these criminals are better organized regionally than are the law enforcement agencies of CARICOM, despite the efforts of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Regional Security System (RSS), which lack comprehensive region-wide enforcement mechanisms.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a series of measures designed to curb crime, stating, “The consequences of allowing these criminals to destabilize our country are too dire to contemplate. We cannot grow our economy or build a prosperous future for our people in an environment riddled with crime and violence. Defeating these criminals is not just a priority—it is an absolute necessity for the continued safety and prosperity of our nation.”
Beyond regional efforts, there is an urgent need for stronger international cooperation. The issue of gun trafficking from the U.S. is part of a broader, global problem of arms proliferation. The U.S. gun lobby’s influence extends beyond domestic politics, affecting neighbouring regions like the Caribbean. Greater collaboration is needed not just within CARICOM but with broader alliances, including nations and organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS), UN organizations and even European states with territories in the region that are affected by similar issues.
As President of the Permanent Council of OAS in December 2023, I introduced a resolution on “Guns, Gangs, and Violence,” which recognized the interconnectedness of transnational organized crime. The resolution called for a cross-border, collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to address the root causes and consequences of criminal gang violence, particularly gun-related violence. While this resolution was a step in the right direction, the wheels of establishing effective enforcement mechanisms move slowly. Unfortunately, addressing the issue of crime cannot afford to grind slowly. Lives and livelihoods are at stake, as is the right of people to live in freedom—freedom from fear of crime and the right to live in peace. Therefore, national action, such as Prime Minister Browne is taking, is imperative.
Economic implications of rising crime are also dire. Tourism, a critical sector for many Caribbean nations, could be severely impacted if the region continues to be perceived as unsafe. This would not only affect national economies but also the livelihoods of millions of citizens who depend on tourism. Moreover, the high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, contribute to the rise in gang-related activities. Economic policies that create jobs and opportunities are vital in steering young people away from crime.
Conclusion:
The Caribbean’s struggle against gun-related violence is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The flow of illegal arms from the U.S. needs to be addressed, and CARICOM countries must work together to police their territorial seas and share intelligence. At the same time, national governments must take decisive action to curb crime, create jobs, and promote economic opportunities.
Q: What is the main cause of gun-related violence in the Caribbean?
A: The main cause of gun-related violence in the Caribbean is the illegal trafficking of guns from the United States.
Q: How is the illegal trafficking of guns from the United States affecting the Caribbean?
A: The illegal trafficking of guns from the United States is fuelling gun-related violence in the Caribbean, particularly among younger people and gangs.
Q: What is the role of CARICOM countries in addressing the issue of gun-related violence?
A: CARICOM countries must work together to police their territorial seas, share intelligence, and adopt cooperative measures to address the issue of gun-related violence.
Q: What is the economic impact of rising crime in the Caribbean?
A: Rising crime in the Caribbean can have a severe impact on the region’s economy, particularly in the tourism sector, and contribute to high unemployment rates among youth.
Q: What is the role of international cooperation in addressing the issue of gun-related violence?
A: International cooperation is essential in addressing the issue of gun-related violence, particularly in sharing intelligence and best practices, and implementing regional and global measures to address the root causes of crime.