Caribbean News
US making moves to combat weapons trafficking in the Caribbean
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#USA, August 18, 2023 – The United States spoke on the issue of arms trafficking in the Caribbean, zooming in on Haiti, saying that it is cognizant of and recognizes the issue, and is “very dedicated” “to addressing” it “head on.” This was expressed by Barbara Feinstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti Bureau of the Western Hemisphere, speaking at a virtual press briefing on Friday August 4th, 2023.
This was prompted by a question from a Reuters representative who asked, ” What actions is the State Department taking to prevent more guns from being trafficked from the US to [gains] in Haiti?”
Zeroing in on Haiti, Feinstein revealed that the United States is working to establish a “Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit within the Haitian National Police, that will include vetted personnel, working with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and others.”
She continued to explain that they will be working to address the issue of firearms trafficking, and leverage the e-trade system, that is capable of tracking the serial number of their point of origin in the US, to help ensure these cases are put together and prosecutions can take place.
Additionally, she pointed to statements regarding the US’s move to combat international arms movement, made by Kamala Harris, Vice President while she was in Nassau in June this year and Secretary Antony Blinken in July.
She highlighted that they referred to the designation or creation of a new office within the Department of Justice, that is the first ever Coordinator for Caribbean firearms prosecutions as well as the naming of a very experienced prosecutor.
Feinstein continued to expound on these new developments saying that the to be named prosecutor and others, will have access to a “critical new tool,” through the Passage and Enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, that led to the establishment of “stiffer penalties for international weapons trafficking,” which it also made a “federal crime.”
This will give way to a greater chance within the Department of Justice to see prosecutions of state purchasers and “provides greater accountability in addition to much greater deterrent effect for straw purchasers and arms trafficking,” she maintained.
In her continued reassuring of the US’s position on weapons trafficking, that is on the preventative side, Feinstein, without failure, called attention to The United States’ support for the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit in Trinidad and Tobago, “with support from CARICOM Impacts. She says this is a regional effort to look at issues around gun trafficking, adding that they acknowledge that it rarely happens in one country as there is a “network going across the Caribbean and elsewhere.”
The deputy assistant secretary then stated that to whatever extent the US can make use of all these tools, they will be much better equipped, being put in a more “comprehensive position,” where they can better address gun trafficking in Haiti and the wider Caribbean.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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