CARICOM is Zone of Peace says Mottley

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

#Barbados, May 29, 2024 – Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley has called on leaders in the Caribbean to ensure that the region maintains a peaceful zone, as it is stands on the precipice of grave danger if ongoing crises are not handled appropriately.

She said the escalating challenge of gun-related violence in the Caribbean, the political unrest in Haiti, the land dispute in Guyana, and the rising homicide cases across Barbados, require commitment of CARICOM’s leaders to the Caribbean remaining a Zone of Peace, and much more than words.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Tradewinds 24, in St Michael last Friday, she said in a world that is torn in Africa with conflict, torn in Europe with conflict, torn in the Middle East with conflict, “we in the Americas have a solemn obligation to work beyond the call of duty to ensure that we remain a Zone of Peace,” she said.

Further, Miss Mottley said, maintaining peace, requires actions to reflect it, and it  requires being responsible with “our words, such that circumstances do not get out of hand and go beyond our control. It requires equally a recognition that people will understand that this will not result in good for anyone,” she pointed out.

The forum had in attendance, service men and women representing over 26 nations across the Americas and Europe, and the Prime Minister urged the region’s youth to wield tools and weapons with respect, build on potential for positive outcomes.

Miss Mottley also called for a “relook and rethink” of how persons, namely the younger generation are educated about guns, phones and other devices that could be very empowering when used in the best ways for the best outcomes.

Noting that “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” she said it is important to instill respect and responsibility in youth, particularly in light of ongoing discussions surrounding cybercrime legislation, wield tools and weapons with respect, highlighting the potential for positive outcomes when utilized responsibly.

Exercise Tradewinds 2024 is a multi-dimensional training exercise hosted by Barbados. It took place from May 4 to 16, 2024. The exercise focused on joint, combined, and interagency training across the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains.

Its primary objectives were to enhance regional cooperation in countering transnational organized crime and to improve capabilities for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

CAPTION:  Prime Minister Mia Mottley was today presented with the World Health Organisation Director-General’s Award for Global Health.  Mottley is one of three people being awarded this year. (Photos by PMO Barbados)