Caribbean Countries Warn of Illicit Firearms Trafficking

Caribbean People with Dual Nationality Can Purchase Firearms and Ship Them to Home Countries

A new report is warning that Caribbean people with dual nationality who live in the United States can purchase or facilitate the purchase of firearms and ship them to their home countries, given that they have extensive contacts in both the US and the destination Caribbean country.

Gun Violence in the Caribbean

According to the report by the United States Government Accountability Office, the highest proportion of firearms traced to the United States had been recovered in the Bahamas compared to any other Caribbean country.

Concealment Techniques Used in Firearms Trafficking

The report found that 73 percent of the guns recovered in the Caribbean between 2018 and 2022 were traced back to the United States and trafficked to the Caribbean by various means. The remaining 27 percent were either traced to 35 other countries (23 percent) or their source was of undetermined origin (four percent).

Caribbean Gangs and International Criminal Networks Drive Firearms Trafficking

Firearms are available for illegal purchase in illicit markets and resold for higher prices. For example, Bahamian officials told us that a firearm retailing for US$350 in the US can be resold illegally in The Bahamas for US$1,600.

Corruption in Caribbean Government Agencies

In addition, US and Caribbean officials told us that corruption within Caribbean government agencies significantly hinders efforts to combat firearms trafficking. For instance, firearms traffickers bribe customs officials to ensure their shipments containing firearms or firearms parts go uninspected, resulting in fewer firearms seizures, according to US and Caribbean officials.

Caribbean Countries Demand Action from Washington

Caribbean countries have called on Washington to do more to prevent the illegal gun trade, which they have linked to the escalating crime situation in the region.

Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence

Regional leaders will meet in Guyana later this week for the Second Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue. The symposium’s declaration called for a ban on assault weapons in the region, except for security forces and sporting competitions.

FAQs

* What is the report warning about?
Caribbean people with dual nationality who live in the US can purchase or facilitate the purchase of firearms and ship them to their home countries.
* What is the source of most firearms used in crimes in the Caribbean?
Most firearms used in crimes in the Caribbean are trafficked from the US.
* What is the rate of firearms trafficking in the Caribbean?
73 percent of guns recovered in the Caribbean between 2018 and 2022 were traced back to the US.
* What is the purpose of the Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence?
To address the escalating crime situation in the region and to call for a ban on assault weapons, except for security forces and sporting competitions.