With 250 firearm cases, AG calls for societal approach

Barbados currently has over 250 firearm cases awaiting trial, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the issue, Attorney General Dale Marshall told a regional crime intelligence meeting on Monday. 

Speaking at a national meeting to bring awareness of a Crime Gun Intelligence Unit with regional crime-fighting agency CARICOM IMPACS, Marshall revealed: “As of September last year, we had 292 firearm cases waiting to be tried. In 2024, the number has not changed significantly, we are in the region of about just over 250.”  

Marshall presented statistics showing a slight decrease in firearm-related offences, with 63 cases reported between January and June of this year, compared to 75 over the same period last year. In the 18 months ending last month, there were 142 firearm trials, said the attorney general as he stressed that the fight against firearms trafficking “has to be an all-of-society endeavour”.

“I bring these figures to you to show that the fight is multifaceted,” he said.

The attorney general called for greater community involvement, urging citizens to come forward with relevant information to aid in apprehending offenders. 

“The courts are involved in this, the police service are involved in this, but obviously the missing element that we don’t talk about too much is the involvement of our communities,” Marshall said.

Tonya Ayow, deputy executive director of CARICOM IMPACS, echoed Marshall’s sentiments, emphasising the need for increased cooperation across Caribbean nations. She noted a rise in firearm interceptions throughout the region, attributing this to improved actionable intelligence.

“There continues to be an increase in interception of firearms at the US border, and within CARICOM member states because of actionable intelligence, and we are seeing an increase in the number of port and inland seizures involving firearms, ammunition, magazines, and component parts,” Ayow reported.

The meeting underscored the transnational nature of firearm-related crimes and the importance of a united front in combating them. Ayow reaffirmed CARICOM IMPACS’ commitment to supporting member states and enhancing their capabilities in tackling firearms-related offences.

She said: “In an era where transnational crime knows no borders, our collective efforts have been more vital. Today as we convene, we recognise that the fight against firearms-related crimes demands a united front. It is our collective intention to continue the operation support, while at the same time working with our partners to increase the capabilities and capacities of member states firearms units throughout the region.”

The sensitisation and awareness meeting at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre is one of a series of meetings to address gun crime in the Caribbean region. The meetings were organised to highlight CARICOM IMPACS’ Crime Gun Intelligence Unit’s work to support CARICOM member states in detecting and reducing firearms-related crimes. Participants include ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials from customs and police. The initiative comes in response to the high rates of violent deaths in the Caribbean, with firearms being the primary weapon used in these crimes.

Established in October 2022, the CGIU seeks to enhance collaboration and information sharing among CARICOM member states to combat firearms trafficking and improve public safety. Beginning with St Kitts and Nevis in March, the meetings are planned for all 15 CARICOM member states. (SB)