Customs agencies to benefit from funding

Barbados and other Caribbean countries are being supported in their continued efforts to reduce the flow of illicit weapons and narcotics in the region through strengthening the capacity of customs agencies to support broader international regional counter narcotics and weapon activities.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Caribbean Customs Small Arms and Light Weapons and Narcotics Enforcement Project (SALW-NEP), an initiative funded by the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) is aiming to assist regional efforts against the scourge of the two threats over its two-year term.

At Tuesday’s opening of the Project Office for the SALW-NEP within the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC) Offices, at the Wildey Business Park, St Michael, US Ambassador to Barbados Linda Taglialatela reminded the ceremony that illicit activities occur throughout the region without regard to borders.

The ambassador said the contraband and related criminal activities do not simply pass through the Caribbean on the way to other destinations, but also fuel crime and instability in Barbados and across the region.

“To counter these activities, the United States government through the Department of States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has proudly provided US$800 000 to the WCO in support of this project. Traditionally, assistance in these areas has been mainly directed to police and specialized counter drugs agencies.

“However, we cannot overlook the crucial security role of customs officials in the fight against illegal contraband of all kinds. As you all know, custom agencies do not just raise revenues from duties on legitimate trade in goods, they are also the first line of defense against illicit goods. Early detection and coordination at the borders are absolutely essential in the fight against the twin threats of narcotics and weapons trafficking,” Taglialatela said.

Secretary General of the WCO Dr Kunio Mikuriya said his agency was committed to supporting the region’s customs services to address trade, security compliance and revenue issues. Dr Mikuriya said political will, partnership and people are needed for the project to succeed.

IMPACS’ Executive Director, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones said the partnership would be key in addressing a critical aspect in the fight against the scourge of illicit weapons and narcotics entering and transiting the region.

He said the project addresses existing capacity gaps that prevent customs administrations from playing a key role in the detection of small arms, light weapons and narcotics.

Lieutenant Colonel Jones noted that in addition to other ongoing projects, the region’s goal to establish a CARICOM crime gun intelligence unit would allow for the generation and analysis of credible and reliable data and crime gun intelligence, in support of national operations and investigations.

“Dr Mikuriya, there is no doubt that you and your team have come at the right time and would no doubt add even further depth to the ongoing and future projects. Today I pray that this partnership grows from strength to strength and that this office goes way beyond the first 18 months envisioned,” Lieutenant Colonel Jones said.
(AH)