Greater focus is to be placed on securing the nation’s borders, one of the main takeaways from talks between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
The two leaders engaged in bilateral discussions, during Holness’ visit to the twin island republic on Monday, as part of that country’s 60th-anniversary celebrations. The collaboration aims to stem the flow of the illegal importation of guns, into the Caribbean from the United States.
Conversations are being had between Caribbean leaders and united states officials, regarding the importation of illegal ammunition into the region. The illegal importation has been creating national security issues, which provoked the Caricom members to demand action from United States officials. Addressing the issue at a media briefing on Monday, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, says Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have partnered to ensure security protocols are upgraded. Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the illegal importation of weapons into Jamaica comes through the legal and established ports on the island, and on boats coming from south America and Haiti.
However, the more pressing issue is the possibility of corruption in the ports. Highlighting weapons as enablers of violence in both countries, Prime Minster Andrew Holness outlined, that in order for both countries to begin prioritizing the much-needed clamping down on the importation of firearms, they must continue to call out the agencies involved in the supply of guns. Prime Minister Holness says the illegal importation through unregistered ports or boats coming into the island, has prompted the government to increase surveillance and offshore patrolling, with recent success in stemming that flow.
Reporter: Nasika Alliman
Watch more news here: Verified and Delivered, News You Can Depend On – CVM TV
