PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – A senior United States Embassy official in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday said it is only through international cooperation that the region could effectively tackle the illicit trafficking in firearms.

Addressing the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Firearms Technical Working Group, Deputy Chief of Mission, Shante Moore, told regional and international delegates that their presence underscores their commitment to working together to combat illicit trafficking of firearms in the region.

“It is only through international cooperation that we will all be able to effectively tackle illicit trafficking in firearms. Working together, we can further our mutual goal of safety and security of our citizens,” he said.

Moore said that over the next three days, the discussions will help to enhance citizen security by exchanging best practices, gaining a better understanding of new trends, and facilitating cooperation efforts to combat illicit trafficking in firearms in the Caribbean.

“More important, you will be developing recommendations on how to strengthen Caribbean priority actions for the consideration of national and regional authorities. We look forward to hearing about your national experiences in strengthening our priority actions and together thinking about regional solutions to curb this growing threat,” he added.

He said that as the region has grown more interconnected, so too have criminal organisations that seek to exploit gaps in the interdiction efforts.

“Faced with pressing transnational threats, it is now more essential than ever that we develop integrated and interoperable response efforts to stay one step ahead of the criminals,” he said, adding that these response efforts must become better coordinated, and this Technical Working Group serves as a unique forum to facilitate discussions on how to improve efforts to enhance cooperation at the national and regional levels.

He said he hopes the conference will allow for delegates to leave with “a strong and continued commitment to engage in regional cooperation, share information, and further develop interoperability to effectively combat illicit trafficking of firearms,” reiterating Washington’s commitment to working with all countries both on a bilateral and regional basis in seeking “innovative and integrated solutions to the Caribbean’s most pressing challenges.

“The citizens of our countries deserve a safe, secure, and prosperous Caribbean,” he added.