CARICOM Chair Calls for Regional Unity to Disrupt Criminal Networks

“I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror.” Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP Chair, CARICOM Prime Minister, Jamaica CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to tackle the Region’s crime and security challenge with the adoption of the Montego Bay Declaration on Transnational Organised Crime and Gangs, underscoring leaders’ united stance against criminal networks. This was highlighted by Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, CARICOM Chair and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, during the closing media conference for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, which was held from 6-8 July in Montego Bay, Jamaica. “A secure CARICOM is a viable CARICOM,” stated the CARICOM Chairman, “And as such, security remains high on the agenda for the duration of my chairmanship and beyond.” Prime Minister Holness shared that leaders also held talks with the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Valdecy Urquiza, who “committed to strengthening cooperation and expanding access to its global resources.” In the Declaration, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Region’s efforts against organised crime by tracking emerging trends in illicit firearms trafficking, introducing strong legislation with tougher penalties for firearm and gang-related offences and enhancing public awareness to support prevention and prosecution initiatives. Firm stance During his keynote address at the Meeting’s opening ceremony on Sunday, the Prime Minister underscored that CARICOM nations must take a firm stance on organised criminal gangs, reiterating his position that gang violence must be regarded as acts of terrorism. He stated that gang networks have grown well beyond typical street-level crime and now pose a serious threat to regional security and emphasised that addressing this issue requires the same level of urgency and coordinated action as the global fight against terrorism. “I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror,” the CARICOM Chairman stated. Dr Holness underscored the urgent need for Member States to collaborate in dismantling the resources that fuel criminal organisations, particularly their access to financial systems. Referencing a July 2024 United Nations report, Dr. Holness noted findings on the influence of gang activity in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. The report also highlighted a correlation between escalating drug production in South America, widespread firearm availability, and rising homicide rates. Dr Holness further stated that the deteriorating security situation in Haiti serves as a stark warning and a call to immediate, coordinated regional action. “It is the organisation of violence for profit. It is not merely street-level, dispossessed, socially excluded youngsters. There is a level of intelligence, a level of resources, a level of organisation that has been brought to crime and violence, which is being used for profit, stated the Prime Minister. Adding, “My own view is that policy and jurisprudence need to evolve to address this matter.” The Prime Minister underscored the immense scale and complexity of crime affecting the Region, cautioning that it cannot be resolved overnight or through short-term efforts. He emphasised that a durable solution will require robust investment and widespread public engagement across the Community, noting that unified support is essential to effectively confront the threat.