Regional Efforts to Combat Crime and Enhance Security
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has announced the impending launch of a gangs database that covers the entire Caribbean region, in an effort to guarantee that there are no safe havens for criminals in the region. He also emphasized the importance of the Caricom Arrest Warrant Bill, which seeks to harmonize extradition procedures among participating nations.
Enhancing Regional Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation
Rowley highlighted the significance of these efforts in enhancing regional security and law enforcement cooperation when speaking at Caricom’s second regional symposium, Violence as a Public Health Issue, recently held in Georgetown, Guyana. He emphasized that "the Caribbean Gang Database will be a key resource for law enforcement" and that "information is strength. By identifying and sharing intelligence on known bad actors, law enforcement across the region can work more effectively."
The Need for Harmonized Extradition Procedures
Rowley also emphasized the importance of the Caricom Arrest Warrant Bill, which seeks to harmonize extradition procedures among participating nations. He stated, "Criminals must understand that in every Caricom territory, the law applies equally to them as it relates to warrants in anticipation of prosecution. There are no safe harbors in any Caribbean territory. We want this legislated."
Tools for Law Enforcement
Rowley also underlined how tools like Advance Passenger Information (API) and the Passenger Records Bill may help law enforcement. He stated, "These tools will facilitate law enforcement efforts and enable authorities to apprehend criminals more effectively."
The Consequences of Crime
The conference offered a timely chance to discuss important issues, such as the international nature of gangs, cultural impacts on crime, and the role of corruption in law enforcement. Rowley reinforced the need for all-encompassing solutions, stating, "Each of these demands our attention if we are to transform the realities of the Caribbean."
Regional Efforts to Combat Crime
The Prime Minister’s views were mirrored by Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, who emphasized the social and economic implications of crime in the area. He stated, "The healthcare sector is the first to feel this burden. Imagine if we didn’t have this impact. We could have increased budgetary allocations in education by 80 percent."
The Gender Gap in Crime Statistics
Ali also discussed the ramifications of the gender gap in crime statistics, stating, "Eighty-five percent of violent crime is committed by males. In Guyana, 66 percent of university students are women, and 70 percent of scholarships are taken up by women. The consequence is clear—young men are falling behind in education and employment, driving them toward crime."
Conclusion
The region is facing a significant challenge in terms of crime and security. It is essential that we work together to combat this issue and ensure that there are no safe havens for criminals in the Caribbean.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Caribbean Gang Database?
A: The database is designed to provide a resource for law enforcement to identify and share information on known bad actors, enhancing regional security and law enforcement cooperation.
Q: What is the Caricom Arrest Warrant Bill?
A: The bill seeks to harmonize extradition procedures among participating nations, ensuring that criminals are held accountable and that there are no safe harbors in the region.
Q: What are some of the tools that can help law enforcement?
A: Tools like Advance Passenger Information (API) and the Passenger Records Bill can help law enforcement facilitate their efforts and enable them to apprehend criminals more effectively.
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